𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐡𝐚 𝐆𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐠 𝐆𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐔𝐩 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐎𝐢𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐑𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐞 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬

…𝒇𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒂 𝒔𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒎𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒅 𝒐𝒊𝒍 𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒆 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝒅𝒆𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒚

By Kezang Choden

Metakha Gewog is preparing to become self-sufficient in mustard oil production, with a new oil extraction machine set to arrive by the end of April 2025. This initiative, led by the gewog administration in collaboration with local farmers, is expected to produce an estimated 20,000 metric tons of mustard oil annually. By cutting down on the community’s dependence on imported mustard oil, the project promises to stimulate local economic growth.

Local farmers have already harvested mustard seeds in anticipation of the new machine’s arrival, with preparations underway to begin oil extraction. Since last year, the residents of Metakha Gewog have worked diligently to cultivate mustard, recognizing the potential for both local consumption and surplus production that can supply other dzongkhags. This project is part of a broader effort to reduce Bhutan’s reliance on imported food products and increase domestic agricultural production.

Farmers are optimistic about the project’s potential to boost their livelihoods, create new economic opportunities, and establish a sustainable mustard oil industry. Local authorities hope this initiative will serve as a model for other regions, promoting self-reliance and food security.

Launched in July 2024, the mustard oil production project has generated significant enthusiasm in the community. Passang Tshering, Gup of Metakha Gewog, emphasized the importance of community-driven development and the need for locals to take initiative in driving positive change.

“It is our responsibility to focus on the growth and advancement of our community. We cannot always rely on the government to bring about change. It is imperative that we take the initiative to drive sustainable development,” Tshering said.

Tshering also highlighted the significance of local innovation in shaping economic and social outcomes. With the machinery soon to arrive, the community is eager to see the project come to life, confident that it will improve resilience against economic challenges and serve as a model for other regions.

Ganga Ram Bista, Agriculture Extension Officer for Metakha Gewog, confirmed that preparations are in full swing for the collection of mustard seeds. While the gewog’s production plan has faced setbacks due to harsh weather conditions, Bista remains optimistic. This year, the production is estimated at six to seven tons, but future yields are expected to increase with better planning and more favorable conditions.

“Despite the challenges, we are confident that with continued support, we will see improved yields in future harvests,” Bista said. The new machinery will play a crucial role in reducing reliance on external mills, ensuring that local farmers benefit from the added value of mustard oil production. This initiative is a key step toward strengthening agricultural self-sufficiency in Metakha Gewog and providing farmers with a new income source.

Gup Passang Tshering also stressed that the project is designed to achieve multiple goals, reducing the reliance on imported cooking oil, boosting local agricultural production, generating employment, and providing farmers with a more stable income.

“Reducing oil imports is not just about economic savings but also about enhancing food security,” Tshering noted. By encouraging the cultivation of domestic oilseeds, the project also supports crop diversification and aims to create jobs in farming, processing, and distribution. This initiative aligns with the government’s vision of sustainable agricultural development.

Sangay Nidup, a local farmer, has planted mustard on his two-acre land and expects to harvest around 350 kilograms of seeds for oil production. Despite challenges like unpredictable weather patterns, Nidup remains hopeful. He believes that increased local production can reduce Bhutan’s dependence on imported mustard oil.

“The goal is to gradually reduce the need for imported mustard oil by producing it locally,” he said. “If more farmers engage in mustard cultivation, we can ensure a stable supply of homegrown oil.”

Similarly, Dawa Zangmo, another resident, has leased an acre of land for mustard cultivation and planted six kilograms of mustard seeds. She is optimistic that the arrival of the new oil extraction machines will allow her to increase production and contribute to the local economy.

“After the arrival of the machines, I plan to work harder and produce more than I did last year,” Zangmo said. The improved efficiency from the machines will help increase the quality and quantity of the oil produced, making the project more sustainable and accessible.

The expansion of mustard cultivation is part of a broader effort to enhance Metakha Gewog’s agricultural sector. With more residents like Dawa Zangmo leasing land for mustard cultivation, the community hopes to create a sustainable agricultural environment that contributes to local food security and economic growth.

By reducing reliance on costly imports and fostering local agriculture, the project could significantly improve the local economy. The success of the initiative could also serve as an example for other regions, highlighting the potential of grassroots-led development to promote food security, self-sufficiency, and long-term prosperity.