Mandarin exporters and farmers alike in Nganglam of Pema Gatshel were apprehensive of the business when the government announced the second nationwide lockdown. But with relevant agencies up-to their best to keep the business running, they are all smiles.
Trucks ferrying mandarins from Nganglam and Panbang in Zhemgang to Rinchenthang orange depot in Nganglam are as busy as bees. And so are the farmers in villages.
”Initially, we were quite worried about the mandarin business. Later, the dungkhag and the gewog officials informed us about the continuity of the business. This made us happy,’’ said Pema Samten, a farmer from Goshing. Likewise, mandarin growers shared their gratitude to all relevant agencies for coming together to make this happen.
”I brought along a large group of people to work at the depot, but the lockdown announcement worried me. If the continuity wasn’t allowed, it would have been a huge loss to me,’’ said Kinley Dorji, one of the exporters.
Keeping with the safety protocols, mandarin transporters are being escorted by security personnel from Panbang to Norbugang and to Nganglam depot.
Today, one crate of mandarin fetches Nu 500 to 750 at the depot, whereas in Bangladesh, the return is USD 13 to 16. More than 12 truckloads of mandarin have been exported to Bangladesh, so far.
Thinley Dorji
