Farmers and artisans in Samdrupjongkhar have long struggled with limited market access, often watching their hard-earned products perish due to a lack of buyers. This pressing issue saw a transformative turn yesterday with the grand opening of a new Cottage and Small Industry (CSI) market, spearheaded by local entrepreneur Kuenzang Leki, 44, and backed by technical assistance from the Asian Development Bank.
The newly established CSI market is poised to become a vital hub for high-quality, fresh, and value-added products, catering not only to local consumers but also reaching buyers from neighboring regions. “This market is tailored to support artisans and entrepreneurs across Bhutan’s eastern and southern dzongkhags,” stated Sonam Jamtsho of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Employment. “It marks a significant step towards scaling up production, enhancing value addition, and creating much-needed employment opportunities in our area.”
Managed by a private operator, the CSI market serves as an essential aggregator, enabling small-scale producers from remote locales to gain visibility and access broader markets. This strategic management is expected to facilitate the promotion of Bhutanese products both domestically and internationally. “Our goal is to not only strengthen domestic sales but also to explore and penetrate international markets,” added Jamtsho.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Samdrupjongkhar Dzongdag Tashi Wangmo, who highlighted the potential influx of Indian tourists attracted by the region’s newly accessible entry and exit points. “Indian tourists have shown keen interest in purchasing our local products. The success of this initiative hinges on our collective efforts and collaboration,” Wangmo remarked.
The CSI market boasts a diverse array of products, including organic agricultural goods, handcrafted items, traditional textiles, and herbal wellness products. This variety not only showcases the region’s rich cultural heritage but also meets growing consumer demand for quality and authenticity. To ensure the integrity of local products, the dzongkhag administration will oversee the market’s offerings, allowing only 40 percent of value-added production after processing and packaging to be sold, thereby prioritizing Bhutan-made goods.
Kuenzang Leki emphasized the market’s commitment to quality and market expansion. “By focusing on excellent packaging and maintaining high standards, we aim to penetrate larger markets such as Guwahati, enhancing the visibility of Bhutanese products among consumers,” he explained.
The Samdrupjongkhar CSI market is the third of its kind in Bhutan, following successful establishments in Thimphu in 2020 and Paro in 2023. With this latest addition, the initiative is expected to play a pivotal role in reducing Samdrupjongkhar’s poverty rate—the second highest in the country—by improving livelihoods and creating new job opportunities.
As the community rallies around this new market, the future looks promising for Samdrupjongkhar’s farmers and artisans, heralding a new era of economic growth and sustainable development in the region.
