As Bhutan’s orange export season gains momentum, local craftsmen in Gomdar Gewog, Samdrup Jongkhar, are stepping up to fill the burgeoning demand for wooden crates. The discontinuation of crate imports from India has opened a lucrative avenue for villagers, providing a reliable source of income and fostering economic resilience within the community.
With four orange exporters establishing depots in Samdrup Jongkhar town, each requiring up to 30,000 crates, the need for locally produced packaging has never been greater. Among those rising to the challenge is 61-year-old Jigme Dorji, who has set up a modest sawmill in front of his home. Alongside his wife, Jigme crafts approximately 60 crates daily, contributing to the 2,000 crates they have produced so far this year. Last year alone, Jigme earned around Nu 300,000 from this venture.
Reflecting on his journey, Jigme shared, “Previously, I invested about Nu 1.2 million in setting up a small depot for orange exports in Samdrup Jongkhar. The cost of importing crates was substantial, which made me realize that producing them locally could be highly profitable, especially since we have ample wood resources here. Last year’s earnings allowed me to recover my initial investment in machinery. This year, I am optimistic about earning even more.”
Not far behind is Ngawang Dorji, another villager who began manufacturing crates this year. To date, Ngawang has produced around 4,000 crates and anticipates earning approximately Nu 300,000 this season. Each wooden crate is sold for Nu 90, presenting a significant income opportunity for local families.
“Exporters previously relied on crates made in India, but with the ban on imports, we saw an opportunity to support our community and generate income,” Ngawang explained. “This shift has turned a challenge into a profitable business for us.”
The local orange exporters are gearing up to commence exports to Bangladesh next month, expressing confidence in securing sufficient locally made crates this season. Orders have already been placed through the DeSuup Skilling Programme and various sawmills nationwide, ensuring a steady supply to meet the high demand.
Seyna, one of the orange exporters, emphasized the economic benefits of sourcing crates locally. “Importing crates means money flows out of the country. By opting for locally made crates, we retain our earnings within Bhutan, which is a significant advantage,” she stated.
Gutong, another exporter involved in the initiative, confirmed, “We have placed orders for 15,000 crates to the villagers. Many crates have already been delivered to our depot, and we are pleased with the quality and timeliness.”
Supporting this local production surge, the Integrated Agriculture and Livestock Census of Bhutan 2023 reported that Samdrup Jongkhar produced over 260 truckloads of oranges. In contrast, Bhutan Trade Statistics 2022 revealed that the country imported approximately Nu 6 million worth of wooden crates, boxes, cable drums, and similar packaging materials from India.
The shift towards local crate production not only meets the immediate needs of the orange exporters but also contributes to Bhutan’s broader economic sustainability. As the orange export season progresses, the collaborative efforts of villagers like Jigme and Ngawang Dorji underscore the community’s resilience and entrepreneurial spirit in the face of changing market dynamics.
