𝐎𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐭𝐬𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬

…𝑳𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒔 𝑬𝒎𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝑭𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒉 𝑶𝒓𝒈𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒄 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒔 𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒆𝒕 𝑬𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒔 𝑵𝒖 70,000 𝒊𝒏 𝑱𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝑶𝒏𝒆 𝑴𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒉

By Kezang Choden

In a significant step towards promoting sustainable agriculture and boosting local incomes, the organic vegetable market in Samtse Town, which opened its doors last month has already proven to be a success. In its first month of operation, the market earned an impressive Nu 70,000, far surpassing initial expectations. This achievement marks a significant milestone not only for the town but also for the broader movement towards organic farming and self-sufficiency in Bhutan.

The primary objective of the market is to offer a stable platform for local farmers to sell their organic produce, while also providing the community with fresh, nutritious vegetables. In doing so, the initiative aims to reduce Bhutan’s dependence on imported produce, support local economies, and promote healthier eating habits. With overwhelming community support and increasing sales, the Samtse organic market is poised to expand, offering even more benefits to both farmers and consumers.

The new organic vegetable market is part of a broader initiative to encourage organic farming and improve the livelihoods of local farmers. It provides a consistent and reliable space for farmers to sell their produce, many of whom had previously struggled to find buyers or secure fair prices for their goods. The market’s success has not only provided farmers with a sustainable income but has also reduced the amount of wasted produce.

Narayan Kumar Acharja, Assistant Dzongkhag Agriculture Officer of Samtse Dzongkhag, expressed optimism about the market’s growth. “The organic vegetable outlet in Samtse has provided a much-needed platform for farmers to sell their produce and generate a stable income. We are confident that this initiative will continue to grow, benefiting farmers across the region and promoting the consumption of locally grown, organic food,” Narayan Kumar Acharja stated.

He further noted that the market is not limited to vegetables from Samtse alone but also sources organic produce from other Dzongkhags. This strategy has enriched the marketplace, offering a wider variety of vegetables while supporting farmers from different regions of Bhutan.

The organic market has already shown immense potential, generating Nu 70,000 within just a month of operation. According to Narayan Kumar Acharja, sales have been steady, and the market has efficiently connected farmers with consumers. “We are proud to see the outlet operating smoothly and efficiently. The farmers are receiving fair prices, and the consumers are benefiting from fresh, locally sourced vegetables,” he said.

Sangay Thinley, head of Agricultural Marketing Facilitation for the Phuentsholing Region, was also enthusiastic about the market’s performance. “The income generated in the first month speaks volumes about the market’s potential. We are continuously tracking sales and customer feedback to improve our operations and offer a wider variety of organic produce in the coming months,” Sangay Thinley shared.

Sangay Thinley emphasized that the growing demand for locally grown, organic vegetables is encouraging, especially as more residents shift from imported produce to locally sourced products. “Customers are choosing organic vegetables from our market because they are fresher and healthier compared to imported vegetables, which are often of lower quality,” he added.

Plans are underway to expand the market to the Dhamdhum Industrial Area, where a new outlet will provide even more opportunities for local farmers to sell their products. This expansion aims to further reduce the reliance on imported goods and create additional income-generating avenues for farmers.

One of the driving forces behind the success of the Samtse organic market is the increasing awareness among locals about the health benefits of organic produce. The market operator, Godak Singh, has been instrumental in educating customers on the advantages of consuming organically grown vegetables.

“Many customers come to us not just for the freshness of our produce but also for the health benefits that come with it,” Godak Singh explained. He added that customers have been highly satisfied with the quality of the vegetables, and many have expressed a preference for locally grown over imported goods. “The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. We’re confident that our revenue will continue to grow as more people recognize the value of organic vegetables,” he added.

Godak Singh also noted that the market has played a key role in shifting local consumption habits. “Previously, most residents relied on imported vegetables from across the border. Now, more and more people are choosing our locally sourced organic vegetables,” he said.

Local residents and business owners have welcomed the new organic vegetable market with open arms. Chimi Dema, who runs a café near the market, praised the quality of the produce and the professionalism of the market staff. “I regularly purchase vegetables from the outlet for my café, and I am impressed by the freshness and cleanliness of the products. The operator is friendly and knowledgeable, and the entire experience is very positive,” she said.

Chimi Dema believes that the market’s focus on hygiene and customer service will attract more customers over time. “The attention to cleanliness and the quality of the produce gives me confidence in what I’m buying. I think more people will come to appreciate these qualities and choose to support the market,” she added.

Another local resident, Suk Bdr Rai, echoed these sentiments, highlighting how the market has provided a convenient alternative to imported goods. “The vegetables here are fresh and organic, and I don’t mind paying a little extra for that quality. I also buy dairy products from the market because they are always fresh and reasonably priced,” Rai shared.

Suk BdrRai believes that the market has helped foster a sense of community pride, as locals now have access to high-quality, locally sourced products. “It feels good to know that we are supporting our local farmers and enjoying healthier food at the same time,” he added.

For local farmers like Susmita Gurung, the organic market has been a game-changer. Previously, Susmita struggled to sell her vegetables and often saw her hard work go to waste. “Before the market opened, I would go door to door trying to sell my vegetables, but I never got fair prices, and so much of my produce went unsold,” she explained.
Now, Susmita sells her vegetables and dairy products directly to the market, and her income has improved significantly. “This market has changed my life. I no longer have to worry about finding buyers for my produce, and I’m earning a good income,” she said.

With the steady success of the market, Susmita is planning to expand her vegetable cultivation and explore new farming opportunities. “The market has given us a stable platform, and I’m excited about the future. I plan to grow even more vegetables next season,” she added.

As the organic vegetable market continues to grow, it offers a promising future for both farmers and consumers in Samtse. The market’s success has demonstrated the demand for fresh, organic produce and the benefits of supporting local agriculture.

With plans for expansion and increased community engagement, the Samtse organic market is well on its way to becoming a model for sustainable farming and local economic development. Farmers like Susmita and residents like Chimi Dema are just a few examples of how the market is making a positive impact on the community.
By promoting organic farming and reducing reliance on imported goods, the market is helping to build a healthier, more self-sufficient future for Samtse and beyond.