Bhutan exported more than 10 thousand metric tonnes of agricultural produce between January and April this year. According to the Department of Agricultural Marketing and Cooperatives, oranges, areca nut, and ginger were among the major exports.
According to the Department of Agricultural Marketing and Cooperatives, oranges topped the export list with more than 8,000 metric tonnes exported to India and Bangladesh.
Areca nut recorded the second highest export volume with more than 1,400 metric tonnes, followed by ginger at over 1,000 metric tonnes.
Cardamom exports also crossed 500 metric tonnes during the four-month period.
Additionally, more than 10 metric tonnes of sweet buckwheat were exported to Japan from Samdrup Jongkhar export gateway for the first time.
Likewise, 80 kilograms of yam were exported to India from the same export gateway.
Cordyceps exports also increased significantly in April. More than 13 kilograms were exported compared to just over one kilogram in March this year.
Sangay Thinley, the chief marketing officer of DAMC said, “Apart from India and Bangladesh being our major trading partners, we also continue to explore export markets especially in countries like Thailand and Singapore. In Thailand, we had a Bhutan Mini Market last month and we are in the process of establishing a Bhutan Mini Corner in Thailand. Similarly, we are going to explore market in Singapore. ”
Last year, the agriculture sector contributed almost Nu 4bn in revenue through export of primary and processed agricultural products.
Currently, the country has five export gateways in Gelephu, Phuentshogling, Samdrup Jongkhar, Nganglam, and Paro International Airport.
Kelzang Chhophyel
