Orange exporters of eastern Bhutan reaped a fruitful season despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Exporters say, compared to last year the total export increased by 30 per cent, this time.
Barely two weeks remain before the three-month-long export season in Nganglam and Samdrup Jongkhar ends. And so far, around 500 truckloads of oranges have been transported to Bangladesh. Last season, about 420 truckloads were exported.
The Eastern COVID-19 Taskforce and respective district and dungkhag administrations facilitated the trade following strict safety protocols.
“The rate this time is lesser, we got USD 23 per box. Last year, it was USD 26 to 27. However, production is better this time. It increased by more than 20 per cent,” said Sherub Zangpo, an Exporter in Samdrup Jongkhar.
“Despite the pandemic, the export was not affected. The government provided the required support and we also did our best. We were able to sell more oranges because the harvest is better this time. Although we had to employ Bhutanese workers for the works previously done by Indian workers, we managed,” added Syena from Rinyang Export in Samdrup Jongkhar.
As per the records with the taskforce, the worth of oranges exported until today stands at more than Nu 127 M.
Mandarin orange is one of the main cash crops for the people of six eastern districts.
Kinley Wangchuk, Samdrup Jongkhar
