Cooperatives group as a movement has picked up momentum in other parts of the world. It is not far behind in Bhutan too. Currently, there are over 100 registered cooperatives group in the country.
The acting prime minister, Yeshey Zimba, however said the cooperatives group should explore avenues away from the agricultural sectors.
“Already we can see difference, cooperatives have made in the poultry and dairy development in this country and it has really picked up but organising cooperatives in the non-agricultural sector is yet to make any gate way,” said Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba. He said even though it may prove difficult at this juncture to breakaway, it is something that needs to be pursued.
Bhutan joined the other countries to observe international year of cooperatives, here in the capital today. The theme this year is, cooperatives: empowering communities towards Gross National Happiness.
Speaking on the theme, the agriculture minister, Dr. Pema Gyamtsho, said cooperatives group will help human development. “I think Bhutan’s philosophy of GNH and the international theme for cooperatives towards building a better world are highly complementary. This two can reinforce each other to achieve ultimate goal for human development that is happiness.”
Meanwhile, the Regional Director of International Cooperative Alliance-Asia and Pacific, Dr. Chan Ho Choi, said cooperatives should work on producing safe and environment friendly products. “Cooperatives should produce more quality products at competitive price and achieve the national food security at large.”
According to the International Labor Organization, an estimated 50 percent of the global agriculture produce is marketed through cooperatives creating employment opportunities.
“If you look at food security and employment, cooperatives group have helped farmer’s, particularly small farmers improve their lives and that of the communities,” said the United Nations Development Programme Resident Representative, Claire Van der Vaeren.
As part of the celebration, a three days international seminar cooperative is underway in Thimphu. About 140 participants including 26 international participants are attending the seminar.
