Besides promoting local products from Samdrup Jongkhar, the SAMJONG cooperative has been able to create job opportunities for Samdrup Jongkhar residents. They opened two outlets about two months ago and have already employed 23 individuals. The cooperative buys raw materials including farm produce from farmers and adds value by improving product packaging and processing.
Some are employed at the processing units across eleven gewogs. They assist in preparing, refining and packaging the agricultural, livestock and forestry products.
Others are stationed at the SAMJONG outlets in Samdrupchhoeling Dungkhag and Samdrup Jongkhar town, where they manage sales and customer services.
27-year-old Tshering Deki is one of the employees working at the outlet in Samdrupchhoeling Dungkhag.
Earning a monthly salary of Nu 10,000, Tshering considers herself fortunate to have found a job right at home.
“Since it is a rural area, the house rent here is low. If I had to work in Thimphu, the rent alone would be more than Nu 10,000. So, it is better to work here as I can stay close to my parents and visit them anytime. Before SAMJONG was established, I was staying at home.”
Other workers at the cooperative also shared similar views.
Pema Choden, also an employee said “It has benefited us a lot. We do not have to go anywhere in search of a job. I got employed here in SAMJONG cooperative. It has benefited us.”
Jamyang Singay, Member of SAMJONG Cooperative said “We have gained knowledge with support from relevant stakeholders. Earlier, villagers would sell their products in the vegetable market but now they contact us and we buy from them.”
Today, they produce about 37 products including tea, rice, pickles and soap.
The cooperative has plans to expand its business both in Samdrup Jongkhar and in other districts, ultimately benefitting the farmers.
Kinley Wangchuk, Samdrup Jongkhar
Edited by Tshering Zam
