Organic manure fertiliser producers in Sarpang are facing a tough time selling their products. With fewer takers for organic manure, business is dwindling. There are two organic manure fertiliser production units in the district based in Jigmeling and Samtenthang. The two units were started in 2018 but could not operate after the pandemic.
Sonam Gaki Organic Manure Fertiliser Unit in Dekiling Gewog uses a mixture of dry leaves, cow urine, sawdust, charcoal, and chicken faeces to produce organic fertiliser.
Their fertiliser can be used on farmlands, fruit trees and flower plants. The unit can produce one tonne of organic manure a day.
However, the business has been tough since resuming operations last summer post the Covid pandemic.
The owner of the manufacturing unit said he is not able to capture the market since his product is new in the market and people are not aware. He says a state-owned enterprise starting a similar venture is also killing his market.
“When an individual comes up with a new project and a new innovative idea, others also take up the same venture. Even the government start taking the same project on a large scale, leaving behind the initial project starters who have invested huge amounts by taking loans and mortgaging lands. Such a trend will discourage our children from taking up such projects,” said Phurba Tshering, the Owner of Sonam Gaki Organic Manure Fertiliser.
“When state-owned enterprises come, it comes with a very big mandate with large manufacturing capabilities and support from the government. The livelihood and the production and financial capability of small-scale industries are compromised. Even when we produce, limited access to market and access to government agencies are limited,” said Kamal Pradhan, the Owner of Bhur Oag Farm.
However, an official from the agriculture and livestock ministry, who refused to come on camera said there are no government organic manure ventures.
The official added that the Farm Machinery Corporation Limited is coming up with a bio fertiliser unit based in Athang Gewog in Wangdue Phodrang, but it is different from organic manure fertiliser.
Karma Wangdi, Sarpang
Edited by Sherub Dorji
