The lemongrass cooperative in Monggar is finding it difficult to retain its members. Members have been leaving the group to work in construction sites, where they are paid more. From 170 members in 2007, the cooperative group is now left with only 45 members.
The lemongrass cooperative was formed in 2007 with 170 members from Monggar, Trashigang, Trashi Yangtse and Lhuentse. But now, the group has members from only Monggar and Trashigang Dzongkhags.
|
|
|---|
The group was formed to produce and market lemongrass oil. But since it involves a lot of hard work and less returns, most members have left the group.
Better income from construction sites is luring the locals from leaving. Low price of lemongrass oil is also discouraging people to be part of the business.
Currently, a litre of lemongrass oil is sold at Nu.850. Till last year, a liter of Lemongrass oil fetched only Nu.750.
Other factors like lack of adequate firewood and water is also hampering the business.
The lemongrass Cooperative group mostly markets its lemongrass oil to Bio-Bhutan, a private firm. The group also manufactures lemongrass soaps from its manufacturing unit in Sherichhu, Monggar.
