𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐓𝐨 𝐄𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐧 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧

…𝒇𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒔𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒍𝒚 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒄𝒓𝒐𝒔𝒔 𝑷𝒆𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒕𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒍, 𝑴𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒂𝒓, 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒚𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒕𝒔𝒆, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑳𝒉𝒖𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔𝒆 𝒅𝒛𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒌𝒉𝒂𝒈𝒔

By Kezang Choden

The construction of a new warehouse in Nganglam, Pemagatshel Dzongkhag, is progressing steadily and is expected to be operational by the third quarter of this year. The facility, which will have a storage capacity of 1,300 metric tons, is poised to become a crucial hub for essential goods, improving food security and stabilizing prices in several eastern and central Dzongkhags. Once completed, it will serve as a strategic distribution point for essential food supplies, benefiting not only Pemagatshel but also Mongar, Trashiyangtse, and Lhuentse Dzongkhags.

The warehouse is expected to play a vital role in ensuring the uninterrupted availability of essential food supplies, especially in remote areas where transportation challenges often disrupt the supply chain. By facilitating the storage and timely distribution of food and other critical commodities, the facility will help stabilize prices and improve food security, particularly during emergencies such as natural disasters or roadblocks caused by extreme weather conditions. Authorities highlight that the warehouse will reduce dependency on distant suppliers, ensuring that essential items reach consumers in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Ugyen, the Regional Director of Samdrupjongkhar from the Food Corporation of Bhutan Limited (FCBL), emphasized the significance of the Nganglam facility. “This warehouse will significantly enhance our preparedness by ensuring that essential food supplies are available during crises,” he said. Ugyen also revealed that plans are underway to construct another warehouse in Trashiyangtse Dzongkhag to further strengthen food security in the region. “We are focusing on strategic locations to ensure uninterrupted access to essential food supplies.”

The NFSR warehouse in Nganglam will function as a key distribution hub, maintaining stock levels based on market demand while ensuring that reserve supplies are replenished as needed. Measures will also be implemented to systematically manage stock rotation and prevent issues related to expired goods. With the country’s commitment to food security and emergency preparedness, the expansion of NFSR warehouses marks a significant step in fortifying the nation’s supply chain resilience.

Ugyen Tshering, the Agriculture Officer of Pemagatshel Dzongkhag, shared that the facility will provide substantial benefits to local residents, particularly wholesalers who will have the opportunity to restock essential food items at any time. “This warehouse will play a crucial role in enhancing food security, especially during emergencies when access to essential goods becomes challenging,” he said. He added that the warehouse would help stabilize market prices by maintaining adequate stock levels, preventing shortages and ensuring steady supply. Tshering also highlighted that the initiative would reduce dependency on imported food items, as local traders would have improved access to stored supplies within the Dzongkhag. This infrastructure is expected to streamline the food supply chain, reduce transportation costs, and ultimately benefit both consumers and businesses in Pemagatshel.

In Trashiyangtse, Pushpa Kumari Ghalley, the warehouse in-charge for FCBL, discussed the challenges faced with the current facility. “At present, we face difficulties in replenishing stocks due to space constraints. With the establishment of a dedicated warehouse, we will be able to maintain better stock levels and ensure uninterrupted supply to the community,” she explained. The new warehouse, she said, would ease operations significantly by providing adequate space to store larger quantities of essential commodities. This initiative is expected to strengthen food security in the region, particularly during critical periods such as the monsoon season, when transportation can be disrupted. The new facility will also improve the distribution system, reduce delays, and ensure a more efficient supply chain.

Sonam Wangchuk, the warehouse in-charge for Mongar Dzongkhag, also spoke about the importance of the new warehouse in Nganglam. He said, “While essential food items are being stored at the existing facility, the new warehouse will have the capacity to stock larger quantities, ensuring a more reliable supply of goods.” Wangchuk explained that the warehouse would not only assist in times of natural disasters or unforeseen disruptions but would also make food items more accessible at affordable rates. “We can now ensure a steady supply of essential food items, even during emergencies,” he added, noting that the warehouse would also benefit schools by providing a continuous supply of necessities.

Lhuentse Dzongkhag is also set to benefit from the new warehouse in Nganglam, which is expected to improve food security by ensuring a steady stock of essential commodities. Tula Ram Ghalley, the warehouse in-charge for Lhuentse, highlighted the positive impact the facility will have on the region. “With the new warehouse, we will be able to store all essential food items in sufficient quantities and distribute them as needed, especially during times of crisis,” he said. He also noted that the improved storage and supply chain management would likely reduce commodity prices by cutting down transportation time and costs, making goods more affordable and readily available for consumers. This initiative aims to address logistical challenges and enhance food security in the region, benefiting both suppliers and residents.

As the construction of the Nganglam warehouse nears completion, local officials and relevant agencies are working diligently to ensure that the facility will be fully equipped and operational as scheduled. This project Highlights the government’s commitment to strengthening food security and supply chain resilience, particularly in the eastern and central regions of Bhutan. The warehouse is expected to provide significant economic benefits, improving food access and stability for communities in Pemagatshel, Mongar, Trashiyangtse, and Lhuentse Dzongkhags.