People can now get local wellness products in the market, which are developed as part of an effort to scale up bioprospecting in the country. Bioprospecting is the process of identifying and using natural ingredients to create new products. The products will also bear a logo which indicates that they comply with international standards. Agriculture and Livestock Minister Younten Phuntsho launched the products yesterday.
One of the new products is the Black Turmeric Capsule. It is made from a rare, bluish-black turmeric root sourced from Pema Gatshel, Zhemgang, and Samdrup Jongkhar. It is believed to have anti-cancer properties and also aid digestion and relieve body aches.
Other products include hand wash, vitality potions, perfumes, foot soaks, herbal teas, massage balms and oil and dietary supplements.
All these products are scientifically tested, ethically sourced and developed with direct benefits to the communities who helped create them.
The products are part of a project led by the National Biodiversity Centre and ICIMOD.
“Bioprospecting means the scientific validation of active compounds in specific plants. So any product developed using these active ingredients is known as a bioprospecting product. It differs from a normal product because it is scientifically validated and also ensures ethical sourcing, fairness, and a component of benefit-sharing,” said Mani Prasad Nirola, the deputy chief biodiversity officer, National Biodiversity Centre.
“With the help of bioprospecting, we can identify the beneficial properties of the resources that are found within our country instead of having to purchase or import from other countries,” said Kuenga Dhendup, the co-founder of Kabah Perfume, Kingdom Essences Private Limited.
Unlike in some countries where companies exploit natural resources without giving back, these products follow the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) framework. This ensures communities receive both monetary and non-monetary benefits. All products will bear the ABS logo.
ABS, part of the Nagoya Protocol under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), ensures fair use and sharing of resources.
Mani Prasad Nirola said, “In a typical scenario, a company buys raw materials from a local community, pays a price, and that’s the end of the transaction. But under the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanism, the company agrees to pay a premium and also provide non-monetary benefits. This way, the community becomes a part of the business, creating a win-win situation for both sides.”
The products are expected to enter markets in Southeast Asia as well.
Sonam Chophel, who mentored the product development, said, “While innovation is important, we must also stay competitive. Competing in global markets means meeting various certifications and international standards. At the same time, our products must be innovative, add value, and tell a compelling story.”
The products were developed by eight entrepreneurs.
They spent over eight months researching and testing the benefits of their products.
Ten more start-ups are expected to be involved in the project next year to develop products focused on nature-based innovation, conservation, and community empowerment.
Kinley Bidha
Edited by Sangay Chezom
