NGAWANG JAMPHEL
Thimphu
SAMJONG Cooperative, under the guidance of the Department of Agricultural Marketing and Cooperatives (DAMC), Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MoAL), represented Samdrup Jongkhar Dzongkhag at the prestigious ICA-Global Conference and General Assembly held in New Delhi from November 25 to 30.
Founded on December 15, 2023, SAMJONG Cooperative aims to transform the Renewable Natural Resources (RNR) sector into a thriving business venture driven by young entrepreneurs.
By fostering entrepreneurship and empowering the youth, the cooperative is working to create a sustainable model that benefits its members and the broader community in Samdrup Jongkhar Dzongkhag.
The cooperative includes eleven Rural Youth Processing and Marketing Entrepreneurs (RYPMEs) from eleven Gewogs under Samdrup Jongkhar, demonstrating the commitment to youth empowerment and economic diversification.
SAMJONG Cooperative’s participation in the ICA-Global Conference in New Delhi highlights the success of Bhutan’s youth entrepreneurship initiatives. This gathering of cooperatives from around the world provides a platform for SAMJONG to exhibit its value-added products, gaining exposure to international markets while strengthening its networks for future growth.
The cooperative’s members, all young entrepreneurs, have been actively involved in processing and marketing renewable natural resources from their respective Gewogs.
This includes products such as organic produce, local handicrafts, and sustainable agricultural goods, which have been well-received at the global conference. The event serves as a vital step in SAMJONG’s mission to empower local youth and establish a thriving cooperative model based on sustainable practices.
The participation also reflects the broader vision of Samdrup Jongkhar Dzongkhag’s economic initiatives, which have been championed by the Dzongdag, with unwavering support from the dedicated Dzongkhag staff.
This partnership between the local government and the cooperative is crucial in ensuring the continued success of the RYPMEs, as they develop their businesses and contribute to the region’s economic growth.
Jigme Phuntsho, a representative of SAMJONG Cooperative at the ICA-Global Conference, expressed immense pride in the opportunity to showcase their products on such a prominent international platform.
“SAMJONG Cooperative’s participation in this global conference is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our youth entrepreneurs,” said Jigme Phuntsho.
“It has been an incredible opportunity to connect with cooperatives from around the world, exchange ideas, and showcase the innovative products that are being developed right here in Samdrup Jongkhar.”
He further added, “Through this platform, we are not only expanding our market reach but also learning valuable lessons that will help us improve our processes, build capacity, and ultimately increase our competitiveness in the global market. This experience will empower our youth entrepreneurs to take their businesses to new heights and contribute even more significantly to the economic development of our region and country.”
The ICA-Global Conference and General Assembly provided SAMJONG Cooperative with invaluable exposure to the international cooperative community. It allowed them to connect with other cooperatives, learn from global best practices, and build relationships with potential partners, investors, and markets.
The event also highlighted the cooperative’s commitment to sustainability, social responsibility, and the empowerment of young people in the RNR sector.
The success of SAMJONG Cooperative would not have been possible without the strong support of the local authorities and the Bhutanese government. The Dzongdag’s visionary leadership, combined with the efforts of the DAMC and MoAL, has created an enabling environment for the cooperative to thrive.
The initiatives put in place by these institutions have provided the cooperative with the necessary resources, training, and market linkages to grow its business and enhance its global competitiveness.
The role of the local government has been especially important in fostering a cooperative model that focuses on youth entrepreneurship, sustainability, and community development.
By working closely with the cooperative, the Dzongkhag administration has ensured that the local youth have the resources and support they need to succeed in the RNR sector, contributing to both their personal growth and the economic development of Samdrup Jongkhar Dzongkhag.
SAMJONG Cooperative’s establishment and participation in the ICA-Global Conference serve as a powerful example of how young people can be empowered to become successful business owners in their communities.
The cooperative’s approach is centered around the principles of sustainability, youth engagement, and community collaboration. By encouraging young people to take leadership roles in the RNR sector, SAMJONG is not only creating new economic opportunities but also fostering a sense of responsibility towards the environment and the community.
The cooperative’s focus on renewable natural resources also aligns with Bhutan’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental conservation.
By emphasizing sustainable practices in agriculture, marketing, and processing, SAMJONG is contributing to the country’s broader goals of environmental preservation and climate resilience.
As SAMJONG Cooperative continues to grow and expand its operations, the exposure gained at the ICA-Global Conference will be instrumental in shaping its future success. With increased access to international markets and valuable partnerships established during the conference, SAMJONG is poised for continued growth and success. The cooperative plans to expand its product offerings, enhance its processing capabilities, and strengthen its market presence in both domestic and international markets.
Furthermore, the cooperative is committed to empowering the next generation of youth entrepreneurs in Samdrup Jongkhar and beyond.
Through ongoing training, mentorship, and capacity-building programs, SAMJONG aims to ensure that more young people in Bhutan can follow in the footsteps of its current members and build successful, sustainable businesses that contribute to the country’s economic growth.
As SAMJONG continues on its journey towards greater success, it is hoped that this achievement will bring lasting prosperity to the cooperative, its members, and the community at large.
