Farmers of Zhemgang will no longer have to worry about their perishable farm produce, thanks to the newly established Integrated Cold Store at Buelsa, in Nangkor Gewog. The cold storage, with a capacity of 180 metric tonnes is the first of its kind in the district. Funded by the Global Environment Facility through the Least Developed Countries Fund, the facility has set new hopes for the district.
The Integrated Cold Store was built with a budget of approximately Nu 47 M. It is expected to tackle challenges in market accessibility and reduce the dependency on imported agricultural products.
The facility is designed to strengthen agricultural value chains and boost food security in Zhemgang.
By ensuring better post-harvest storage and minimising food wastage, it aims to enhance the resilience of the farming community and provide a stable market for local produce.
Officials also highlighted that the cold storage will serve as a crucial link for connecting harvested goods to food processing units, adding more value to the local economy.
Tashi Dorji, Goling Tshogpa of Nangkor Gewog said “Chillies from villages such as Goling, Tama and Berti in Nangkor and Trong Gewogs hit the market early. We can sell some but some are left unsold. So, we are hoping that the new cold storage facility will solve the issue.”
The facility was inaugurated on Friday.
The Food Corporation of Bhutan in collaboration with the Department of Agricultural Marketing and Cooperatives implemented the project.
By addressing the challenges of post-harvest losses and limited market accessibility, the facility promises a brighter future for local farmers.
Devika Pradhan
Edited by Tshering Zam
