Almost all the farmers in Zobel Gewog in Pema Gatshel grow groundnuts, also known as peanuts, and sell them. But nothing has been done to add value to it. However, recently, a group of farmers started extracting groundnut oil, producing roasted peanuts and peanut butter.
In this processing unit, farmers of Khenadrang Yarphel Tshogpa, a farmer’s group carry out the extraction works. Using a machine, the peanuts are shelled.
It is then transferred to another machine for oil extraction. In an hour, it can produce about one to two litres of oil.
“We are using this machine to extract oil on trial. We have a profit of Nu 2,000. So, we have opened a saving account and we are depositing it there,” said Karma Dhendup, the Chairperson of Khenadrang Yarphel Tshogpa.
For now, farmers said there is no dearth of customers as it is organic. They added that other villagers visit the processing unit to buy peanut oil.
According to studies, peanut oil can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of developing heart disease. Today, the farmers sell a litre of oil at over Nu 350.
“We are expecting to make some income from it. Even we can produce many things from peanuts. There are many customers as our product is organic,” said Tshering Wangchuk, the Secretary of the farmers’ group.
The mini machine was procured in November last year. But since the machine is small with limited capacity, the group plans to upgrade it.
“We heard that, there is a bigger one. So, we are thinking that it would be better if we can get such kind of machine. We are also discussing with the members to procure one,” added karma Dhendup.
“From now onwards, we will work more. We will save some amount and we have some supporters, so we will buy a better machine,” added Tshering Wangchuk.
Khenadrang Yarphel Tshogpa was formed in 2020. Today, the group process peanut cake ezay, peanut butter, and roasted peanuts. The farmers’ group has nine members.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Tshering Zam
