Businesses battered by the pandemic look forward to a steady recovery as the country began lifting most of the COVID restrictions. A women’s group in Dakpel of Nangkor Gewog in Zhemgang is one among many such businesses. After struggling for more than two years to market turmeric powder, the group is now looking forward to a better prospect.
Comprising 11 members, the Dakpel Women’s Group cultivates turmeric on a large scale. The group started processing turmeric into powder about 15 years ago. And to date, the group has produced over five thousand kilograms of organic turmeric powder and sold across the country.
However, without a market amid the pandemic, about 300 kilograms of turmeric powder are left unsold today. The group sells the spice for Nu 500 per kilogram. The members share the profit from the sale of turmeric powder at the end of the year.
“Before the pandemic, we had a tough meeting the turmeric demand. But starting last year, we could not sell our produce and we still face difficulty. We did not receive any orders and don’t see a market now. The pandemic has really affected our business,” said Tenzin Choden, a member of the women’s group.
“If our business goes well, we have no problem working round the clock and producing more turmeric powder. But the problem is we are challenged with market issues these days,” said Karzom, another member of the group.
The group had built a processing unit installed with a grinding machine last year which has made the processing works including drying and packaging the spice much easier. Until then, they used to grind the roots manually which was a tiring job.
The Global Environment Facility which helps to tackle pressing global environmental issues supported the construction of the processing unit.
“Comparing to past, our production has enhanced and increased with the installation of heavy duty machines that houses drying, grinding, and packaging. And we are very much happy and grateful to the government for the support,” Tenzin Choden added.
“We cannot afford to buy these machines. However, with the group formation, the government has granted us enormous support and we are very much happy and optimistic to further boost our production, if the situation improves,” said Karzom.
Despite the challenge, the members plan to increase the production hereafter. With the country now gradually returning to normalcy, they are hopeful that their business will pick pace soon.
Pema Samdrup, Zhemgang
Edited by Phub Gyem
