A group of youth in Samdrup Jongkhar’s Serthig Gewog are now well equipped with skills to boost food production and start businesses independently. They have undergone a 12-day hands-on training on integrated agri-business creation to enhance rural livelihoods.
Over the past 12 days, around 30 youth in Serthig Gewog took part in hands-on training aimed at building sustainable livelihoods and promoting income-generating opportunities.
The training covered post-harvest techniques such as food preservation using local produce.
Participants also learned how to cultivate oyster and shiitake mushrooms.
The training concluded yesterday with a business bootcamp, where participants developed startup ideas, built prototypes, and explored entrepreneurship as a means of transforming rural communities.
Sonam Wangchuk, Economic Development and Marketing Officer said “This training was aimed at improving livelihoods in Serthig Gewog. We provided both practical skills and hands-on training. Now, participants will set up small-scale farms, which will contribute to local livelihoods. Five different agencies collaborated to make this training possible.”
Samdrup Jongkhar District Administration in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, and the Serthig Gewog Administration, organised the training.
Most of the participants said the training has opened their eyes to new possibilities. They added that the experience helped them see the potential for self-employment within their own communities.
Pema Cheki, a participant said “I’ve learned how to prepare a business proposal. While I may not start a business right away, I won’t let this training go to waste. I plan to use what I’ve learned in the future.”
Kinzang Wangmo, another participant said “I lacked confidence before, but now I feel empowered to start a business. A government job isn’t the only path after studying, if we plan well, we can succeed in business too.”
Likewise, Tashi Phuntsho said “This training has really helped those of us living in rural areas. I gained financial literacy and learned the steps to take before starting a business. I’ve always wanted to start a mushroom farm but lacked funding. Now, I’ve formed a group and am ready to begin.”
Economic Development and Marketing Officer, Sonam Wangchuk said the support will continue beyond the training.
“Participants developed business proposals and shared them with us during the training. Some of these can be implemented right away. The district and gewog administrations will review the proposals, and we’ll assist in helping them secure funding to get started.”
While the training has equipped them with essential skills and support, the real challenge lies ahead as the youth step forward to take the initiative to start their own businesses.
Kinley Wangchuk, Samdrup Jongkhar
Edited by Phub Gyem
