In an exciting move, Monggar town’s vegetable market will soon have a separate counter for vendors to properly package and label their local produce. The initiative aims to ensure authenticity and promote local products, as good packaging and labels help build trust and attract customers. To support the transition, the Horticulture Association of Bhutan trained vegetable vendors in eco-friendly packaging and labelling during a five-day training.
The initiative aims to promote and brand products from Monggar for local and wider markets. Currently, necessary machines are being procured, and the project is set to begin within this year.
“One of the main reasons is to enhance market access, which is easier with proper packaging and a detailed yet simple label. And, secondly, it is to support the authenticity of products from Monggar. For example, if we have our beaten corn or tengma on the shelves in Thimphu, people will immediately recognise it as a product from Monggar,” said Paras Adhikari, Economic Development and Marketing Officer, Monggar.
“We have considered the geographical location, distance, and opportunities, as western markets have population and access to the market. In this case, Monggar is a commercial hub for the six districts in the eastern region. So, we aim to expand eco-packaging and labelling to the rest of the districts in the east. Therefore, Monggar is chosen as the centre for the training,” said Tashi Dhendup, Secretary General, Horticulture Association of Bhutan.
“This initiative will help us build our reputation and maintain authenticity, because there were incidents where people mixed the old and new produce and sold it, which disappointed the consumers. For example, if a packet of tengma is packaged and labelled well, it will hold the producers and sellers accountable for such malicious acts,” said Sonam Dorji, Vegetable Vendor, Monggar.
“It will benefit us all because we will be able to keep a record of the products. We can give consumers the choice. Moreover, with the label, people will have to maintain the quality, promoting the premium quality that we can offer to our consumers,” said Tshering Yangki, Vegetable Vendor, Monggar.
The training equipped vendors to wrap local produce using banana leaves and other broad leaves. They also learnt to use labels showing the product’s origin, shelf life and producer’s contact details. More than 30 vegetable vendors took part in the capacity-building programme. The Canada Fund for Local Initiative funded the training.
“If we can practice eco-friendly packaging and label our local produce, it will benefit our environment and boost farmers’ income through better market access. For example, in the past, farmers stored butter in banana leaves. So, we will explore reviving such a tradition, and also try new ways to use such packaging materials. These are some of our motives,” said Dorji Tshering, Trainer.
With better packaging, labelling and eco-friendly practices, farmers and vendors are expected to reach wider markets while preserving authenticity and protecting the environment.
Namgay Wangchuk, Monggar
Edited by Sonam Pem
