To boost agribusiness and market connectivity for farmers in the east, a three-day Agri Trade Fair is underway in Samdrup Jongkhar. The fair provides a platform for farmers’ groups and cooperatives to explore trade and business opportunities.
14 stalls will showcase farm produce, local innovations, and value-added products produced in eastern districts. The fair is organised to promote trade linkages and enhance awareness of cooperative values and entrepreneurship among rural communities.
The event also marks Bhutan’s celebration of the International Year of Cooperatives. Speaking at the event, Agriculture and Livestock Minister Younten Phuntsho said that while marketing agricultural products is less of a challenge in other countries, Bhutan still faces difficulties in connecting farmers to markets.
“So, it is important for us to work together and form cooperatives to address these issues.”
Tashi Dorji, Director of the Department of Agriculture Marketing and Cooperatives, added that improving the country’s economy begins at the community level. “To develop our communities, we need to increase business activities. One or two individuals alone cannot do it. So, forming cooperatives is very important.”
For many farmers and entrepreneurs, the Agri Trade Fair is a rare chance to showcase their products and build new partnerships.
Karma Kinzang Wangmo, a member of Urka Bangla Detshen from Tashi Yangtse, said the fair helps promote local products. “Such a platform brings people together to learn about what we produce. In our village, farmers grow chili, and we make value-added products from it, which has been very beneficial for us.”
“The fair is helping us sell our products. Coming from a remote area, it also gives us much-needed exposure to explore new markets and customers,” said Tenzin Gombo, a member of Merak Sakten Zoetey Detshen, a farmers’ group in Trashigang that produces fermented cheese.
The fair is expected to strengthen local agribusiness networks and inspire youth participation in cooperative farming.
Kinley Wangchuk, Samdrup Jongkhar
Edited by Phub Gyem
