𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐡𝐚 𝐆𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐠’𝐬 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐢𝐦𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐑𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐞 𝐎𝐢𝐥 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐲

…𝑨𝒎𝒃𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒖𝒔 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒋𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒆 20,000 𝑴𝒆𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒄 𝑻𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑴𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒅 𝑶𝒊𝒍 𝑨𝒏𝒏𝒖𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚, 𝑭𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑺𝒆𝒍𝒇-𝑺𝒖𝒇𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑬𝒎𝒑𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑳𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝑭𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒔

By Kezang Choden

In a bold move to reduce dependency on imported mustard oil and stimulate local economic growth, Metakha Gewog in Chukha Dzongkhag has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative to produce mustard oil locally.This ambitious project, officially launched by the end of July this year, marks a significant step toward self-sufficiency, aiming to meet local demand while supplying surplus oil to other dzongkhags across Bhutan.

The project was given the green light following a formal agreement between gewog administrative officials and local residents, symbolizing a collective commitment to drive sustainable development within the region.
The gewog plans to produce an impressive 20,000 metric tons of mustard oil annually, a target that, if achieved, will not only fulfill local needs but also significantly reduce the country’s reliance on imported oils.

Passang Tshering, the Gup of Metakha Gewog, emphasized the community’s determination to take control of its future by reducing reliance on government support and imported products.
Speaking at a recent community meeting, Gup Passang Tshering emphasized on the importance of local initiative and innovation in driving growth and progress. “Our community’s growth and progress are our own responsibilities. We cannot always rely on the government. It is imperative that we take the initiative to bring about positive changes and sustainable development in our region,” he asserted.

The project’s goals are multifaceted. Beyond reducing oil imports, the initiative aims to boost local agriculture, create employment opportunities, and ensure a stable income for farmers.
By cultivating mustard on a large scale and processing it within the gewog, the project is set to enhance the gewog’s economic resilience while contributing to the national goal of food security.

Gup Passang Tshering also noted that the project could pave the way for youth to view agriculture as a viable career path, thus steering them away from less sustainable or potentially harmful alternatives.
Ganga Ram, the Agricultural Extension Officer of Metakha Gewog, outlined the objectives and strategies behind the initiative. “The cultivation of mustard in our gewog is primarily aimed at reducing the import of oil from India. We believe that by growing mustard locally, we can produce high-quality oil that meets the needs of our community and beyond,” he explained.

To ensure the success of the project, the gewog is placing a strong emphasis on the availability of quality seeds with high oil extraction potential. Farmers will receive technical support throughout the cultivation process, including assistance with land preparation and the incorporation of good agricultural practices. “We are committed to supplying seeds that will yield the best results. Our goal is to provide farmers with seeds that not only grow well in our local conditions but also produce a significant amount of oil,” Ganga Ram added.

The initiative also includes plans to acquire necessary machinery for mustard oil extraction, with a proposal already submitted to the Dzongkhag authorities. This effort is part of a broader strategy to enhance local agricultural production and promote self-sufficiency. Ganga Ram reassured farmers that they would receive comprehensive support every step of the way, from land preparation to harvest, ensuring the initiative’s success.

The initiative has already garnered enthusiasm among local residents. Pema Wangchuk, a farmer from Metakha Gewog, shared how the project could transform the community’s economic landscape. “The extension officer provided us with valuable insights and innovative ideas to enhance our farming practices. We now have the resources and knowledge to support our agricultural ventures,” Wangchuk said.

Previously, farmers in Metakha Gewog had to transport their mustard seeds to Phuentsholing for oil extraction, a process that was both time-consuming and costly. With the establishment of local processing facilities, farmers like Wangchuk anticipate not only saving on expenses but also generating higher income within their gewog. This development is expected to alleviate some of the financial burdens on local farmers and encourage further investment in agriculture.

Selden, another resident of Metakha Gewog, is preparing to expand her mustard cultivation, confident that the initiative will bring significant benefits to her family. In the past, transportation challenges often led to the spoilage of her mustard crops. However, with the upcoming technological advancements and local processing capabilities, she is optimistic about the future. “Now I plan to expand my mustard fields, taking advantage of this new technology to produce more oil. I am also going to explore opportunities to supply this organic product to other dzongkhags, which could open up new markets and increase our revenue,” Selden stated.

She also highlighted the initiative’s potential impact on the local youth, noting that many young people might now be encouraged to engage in productive agricultural work and earn a good living. This shift could play a crucial role in fostering a sense of purpose and opportunity among the younger generation.

As Metakha Gewog moves forward with this ambitious project, the community is optimistic about the potential benefits that lie ahead. The initiative is expected to not only reduce the need for imported oil but also significantly boost the local economy by providing farmers with an additional source of income. With the strong support of the gewog administration and the involvement of local residents, Metakha Gewog is poised to become a model of self-sufficiency and sustainable development.

By leveraging local resources, embracing innovation, and fostering a spirit of community-driven growth, Metakha Gewog is setting a powerful example for other regions. As the project progresses, it will likely inspire similar initiatives across Bhutan, contributing to the nation’s broader goals of economic independence and agricultural sustainability.