𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐨-𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬

…𝒗𝒂𝒍𝒖𝒆-𝒂𝒅𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒔 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒐𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝑻𝒔𝒊𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑫𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒏𝒂

By Kinzang Lhamo

In country, a fresh wave of opportunity is emerging for communities across districts like Tsirang and Dagana, where locals are now pioneering the production of value-added agricultural products such as ginger candy, buckwheat cookies, ginger roll candy, ginger marmalade, papaya candy, green pea snacks, apple jam, and other agro-processed items. These efforts are built on the foundation of using ingredients that are widely available in these areas, marking a significant shift toward developing unique signature food products and generating livelihood opportunities within the country.

“This is the first time products like ginger candy and other value-added items are being produced in Bhutan, particularly in Tsirang and Dagana,” said Jeewan, a representative from the National Post-Harvest Sub-Center in Dagapela. “Most of the ingredients are locally available. The objective is to develop signature food products unique to these communities since few entrepreneurs have ventured into this area before.”

Many villagers have traditionally preserved food through pickling, but the introduction of new products aims to address several challenges: reducing post-harvest losses, creating employment, improving food and nutrition security, and encouraging a stronger preference for locally made goods.

The Sub-Center, which serves Tsirang, Dagana, Punakha, and Wangdue Phodrang districts, frequently receives requests from communities for training in agro-processing and post-harvest technologies. These sessions are arranged based on community needs and funding availability. To avoid market saturation and encourage niche markets, new products are introduced regularly. Local economic development and marketing officers support producers in accessing markets, while technical guidance and skill development are also provided.

“We don’t measure gender participation simply by numbers,” Jeewan explained. “We look for genuine interest in agro-processing as a business that can uplift entire communities.” Women make up the majority of participants, who often provide feedback on improving packaging, labeling, and securing reliable market outlets.

Despite growing interest and some small-scale experience, no formal enterprises have yet been established due to challenges such as irregular availability of raw materials, lack of appropriate processing equipment, and limited workspace to scale production. Overcoming these obstacles is essential to building small agro-processing businesses focused on product development and innovation.

“We have always lived close to many natural resources but never really saw them as something we could use to build something for ourselves,” shared Nima Dolma from Thakorling, Tsirang. “Now, I feel there’s potential in what is around us, and it has made me think differently about what we can do as a community.”

In rural communities like Thakorling, entrepreneurial ideas develop slowly, shaped by daily life and conversations. Many residents begin to see small-scale ventures as possibilities, starting with reflection on the resources available nearby. The idea of turning familiar but often overlooked materials into useful or marketable products is gaining traction.

However, practical challenges remain. Irregular raw material supply remains a constant concern and limits full commitment from many. Still, there is cautious optimism about moving beyond subsistence.

“I haven’t started yet, but the idea is there. I have talked with friends about the possibilities,” she explained. “If raw materials are steady, I would be ready to try. It may not happen now, but maybe soon.”

For those with limited formal education, participating in these initiatives carries deep personal meaning. Lhamo Sherpa from Patshaling, Tsirang, expressed her gratitude: “I feel truly grateful to be part of this. I never had a chance to go to school, so I never imagined learning something new, practical, and useful. It makes me proud that even without formal education, I can gain experience that could benefit my family and community.”

This experience reflects a quiet awakening among villagers- a realization that self-reliance can begin with what they already have. The encouragement to start small using local resources has sparked purpose aligned with Bhutan’s broader vision of reducing import dependence and strengthening local economies.

“The people from the National Post Harvest Centre told us to begin with what we already have, and that stayed with me,” she added. “It made me see that we don’t always need to look outside for solutions. If we use what is around us and work together, Bhutan can move closer to self-sufficiency. I feel lucky to be part of that journey, even in a small way.”

Ugyen Lhamo from Patshaling shared her journey: “I became interested because I saw how closely this connects with our way of life. We already have many raw materials here, things we have always had but never thought of using this way. That gave me confidence. I kept thinking, ‘Why not us?’ If we have the resources and are willing to learn, I believe we can do it.”

She found learning new skills, like making cookies, especially rewarding. “Making cookies was completely new to me. I never imagined making such things myself, but now I know it’s possible. That small experience opened my eyes to what we can do with what we have. It gives me hope that if we keep trying, we can create something meaningful in our community.”

For many, this initiative is more than skill-building, it symbolizes hope and encouragement. A participant from Dagana said, “I feel overwhelmed and lucky to be part of this. Even without formal education, this opportunity has given me confidence that I can do something good with the raw materials we have.”

Yet enthusiasm and knowledge alone are not enough without practical support. “It would be a great achievement if the government supported us financially, helping us stand on our own feet and move forward. Seeing many women involved, I feel this is a positive step for all of us,” one participant added.

Looking ahead, the vision is to establish small-scale grassroots enterprises where local products are developed, healthy dietary habits encouraged, and nutritious snacks promoted. With strong coordination, effective branding, and ongoing support, Bhutan has a promising opportunity to bring these natural products to markets both within the country and beyond.