Shaoulee Food Products, a social enterprise based in Thimphu and founded in 2014, has played a pivotal role in uplifting farmers and rural communities. By offering a stable market and better prices for grains, Shaoulee not only boosts farmers’ incomes but also empowers women, who make up the majority of its workforce.
Currently, working with over 3500 farmers from across the country, Shaoulee Food Products processes more than 400 tonnes of cereal grains annually, creating a reliable market for rural producers.
The enterprise’s processing unit in Babesa sells several flour products made from buckwheat, millet, maize, wheat and barley among others.
By paying up to 40 per cent more than market prices, the enterprise is helping farmers financially. For instance, while the market price for maize stands at Nu 25 per Kg, Shaoulee pays Nu 35.
“I started this business as an initiative to help the farmers, so, I am only able to sustain myself and the company. There is no excess income or luxury in it. Whatever I get, I invest it in the company,” said Pema Lhadon, the founder of Shaoulee Food Products.
Farmers can connect with the enterprise through agriculture officials and local leaders. According to officials, Shaoulee’s approach has significantly benefitted farmers financially, helping them access larger markets.
“After working very hard, the farmers could not sell their cereals in the past. However, since the enterprise started buying cereals from our farmers in huge quantities, it has greatly benefitted them,” said Tshering Penjor, a Marketing Assistant at the Regional Agricultural Marketing and Cooperatives Office, Monggar.
“Till now, the farmers fed the cereals to animals or brewed alcohol since they could not sell them. Selling them to Shaoulee has benefitted the farmers a lot and it has also encouraged them to harvest more,” said Toetsho Gup Dechen Wangdi, Trashi Yangtse.
“In the 13th FYP, we have the target of achieving Nu 6bn worth of export from the agricultural commodity itself. If we do not have these entrepreneurs who are the major linkages between the farmers and the final consumers, the government alone cannot initiate this export, they play a critical role,” said Tashi Dorji, the Director of the Department of Marketing and Cooperatives.
The enterprise is run by a core team of eight employees, seven of whom are women. It prioritises the inclusion of marginalised women in the workforce, empowering them and fostering gender equality in rural communities.
Looking ahead, Shaoulee plans to expand its processing capacity.
By empowering farmers and women, Shaoulee Food Products is building a stronger, more sustainable future for rural communities.
Deki Lhazom
Edited by Kipchu
