𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐲 𝐆𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐬

…𝑰𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝑳𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝑰𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝑭𝒐𝒄𝒖𝒔 𝒐𝒏 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑵𝒐𝒐𝒅𝒍𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑯𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒚 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝑬𝒎𝒑𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔

By Kezang Choden

Nestled in the serene landscape of Bumthang, Chumey Gewog is embracing a transformative approach to economic development that honours tradition while fostering modern livelihoods. Residents have united to form community groups dedicated to producing traditional foods and local products, creating economic opportunities while preserving their cultural heritage.

In the heart of this initiative are several women’s groups who have taken up the production of traditional noodles and flour from locally grown cereals. Among the cherished foods being produced are Jangbali, a type of flat noodle, and Puta, a beloved homemade noodle, both staples of Bhutanese cuisine. These women, with determination and pride, fulfil increasing orders and share the earnings at the end of each month. Their efforts not only provide a steady income but also keep the culinary traditions of Chumey Gewog alive.

Honey production is another burgeoning enterprise in the gewog. Over the past five years, a growing number of young people have dedicated themselves to producing pure, organic honey. This initiative has brought sustainable income to the youth, ensuring that the local community benefits from high-quality, locally sourced honey.

Gup Jamphel of Chumey Gewog highlighted the broader vision behind these projects. “We established this project not only to keep our women engaged in meaningful work but also to preserve the rich culinary heritage of our dzongkhag. By producing these traditional foods locally, we reduce our dependency on imported noodles and provide consumers with pure, healthy products,” Gup Jamphel explained. The gewog’s leadership sees these initiatives as vital in guiding youth toward productive and positive activities, away from negative influences.

Since its establishment in 2018, Chumig Serjang Yargay Detshen, a local cooperative in Chumey Gewog, has been leading the charge in honey production. Under the careful guidance of Passang Wangdue, the Livestock Extension Officer and coordinator of the cooperative, the project has expanded to include 15 active members. “Our honey is valued for its purity, achieved through the scientific management of hives,” Wangdue stated. This commitment to quality has not only attracted youth participation but also solidified the cooperative’s reputation for producing some of the finest honey in the region.

Each member’s income from honey production ranges from Nu 70,000 to Nu 500,000 annually, depending on the number of hives they manage. However, the path is not without challenges. Wangdue pointed out issues such as inbreeding among queen bees, which can reduce hive productivity, and stiff market competition from cheaper imported honey. To address these challenges, the cooperative plans to introduce honey sachets, making their product more accessible to low-income families while maintaining the quality that sets them apart.

In the village of Bethang, the women of Puta and Jangbali Tshogpa are spearheading a project that merges tradition with innovation. Led by Lham Yangchen, the Threzin of the group, these women are producing homemade noodles from organic cereals, offering a healthier alternative to imported varieties. Launched in June 2024, this initiative has already attracted 13 committed members, all working to meet the rising demand for nutritious, locally-produced food.

The group’s dedication to their craft and their community has caught the attention of the Gewog administration, which plans to support the project further by installing specialized machinery. This will enable the women to produce noodles more efficiently, freeing up time for other activities and potentially increasing their output.

Income generated from noodle sales is distributed among members monthly, fostering a sense of shared purpose and community support. While challenges remain, the women of Puta and Jangbali Tshogpa are optimistic, knowing that their hard work and commitment are paving the way for a more self-reliant and health-conscious community.

As Chumey Gewog continues to balance the preservation of its rich cultural traditions with the pursuit of sustainable economic growth, these community-led initiatives stand as a testament to the power of innovation, cooperation, and resilience. Through their efforts, the residents of Chumey are not only securing their own futures but also safeguarding the heritage that defines them.