DAWA ZANGMO | Thimphu
n a significant step toward improving food marketing standards and promoting sustainable practices, Mongar town’s vegetable market will soon feature a dedicated counter for packaging and labelling local produce. The initiative seeks to boost consumer confidence, strengthen branding of local agricultural products, and encourage environmentally responsible packaging methods.
The move comes as part of a broader effort to establish an Eco-Friendly Packaging and Labelling Centre within the district. The project is expected to begin later this year, with necessary machines already being procured. Once operational, the centre will provide farmers and entrepreneurs with access to standardized packaging facilities, enabling them to sell their produce in an appealing and accountable manner while enhancing Bhutan’s reputation for organic products.
To prepare for this transition, more than 30 vegetable vendors in Mongar participated in a five-day capacity-building training programme on eco-friendly packaging and labelling. The training was jointly organized by the Dzongkhag Administration Mongar and the Horticulture Association of Bhutan, with support from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI).
During the opening session, Dasho Dzongda highlighted the importance of adopting proper packaging and labelling practices for the district’s agricultural sector.
“With support from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, this training aims to empower agri-entrepreneurs with skills in eco-friendly packaging and labelling. Our goal is to establish an Eco-Friendly Packaging and Labelling Centre within this year, which will help farmers and entrepreneurs gradually adopt market standards, promote Bhutan’s organic products, and enhance their market value,” he said.
The training sessions focused on both practical and theoretical aspects of eco-friendly packaging. Participants learned to use locally available materials such as banana leaves and other broad leaves to wrap vegetables, thereby reducing dependence on plastic. They were also introduced to labelling techniques that include details such as product origin, shelf life, and the producer’s contact information.
Officials and trainers emphasized that the core objective of the initiative is to standardize local produce to make it more competitive in both local and wider markets. By ensuring products are packaged and labelled properly, producers and vendors can meet consumer expectations while protecting the environment.
“The main objective of organizing eco-friendly packaging and labelling training at Mongar is to standardize our local produce so that it can easily penetrate the market. Secondly, it reduces the use of harmful plastics that are currently used to wrap and pack fresh produce. Eco-friendly packaging also helps sustain the shelf life of perishables compared to conventional methods,” explained Paras Adhikari, Economic Development and Marketing Officer of Mongar Dzongkhag.
According to him, the initiative not only contributes to environmental conservation but also provides economic benefits for local farmers and vendors. Better packaging improves the physical appearance of products, making them more attractive to customers, while eco-friendly labels give producers an opportunity to fetch higher prices in the market.
For vendors, the training was an opportunity to learn how packaging and labelling can enhance their credibility. Khandu Wangmo, a vegetable supplier and trainer from Mongar, stressed the importance of accountability in marketing produce.
“This initiative allows us to build our reputation and maintain authenticity, which will lead to further improvement in packaging and labelling. For example, if a packet of beans or tengma is packaged and labelled properly, it will hold both producers and sellers accountable for its quality and grab the attention of customers,” she said.
She further noted that labelling provides an additional advantage by enabling producers and vendors to maintain proper records. “It will benefit us all because we will be able to keep track of our products. Consumers will have more choices, and with labelling, producers will be motivated to maintain quality standards, promoting premium products for our customers,” she added.
The program also provided insights into how eco-friendly packaging can help reduce costs while creating new opportunities for income generation.
“Through this training, farmers and vendors gained practical solutions and knowledge on how to save costs regarding packaging of their produce. Since eco-friendly packaging and labelling can fetch higher prices in the market, it becomes easier for them to sell their products. It also helps them to meet customer demands by improving the product’s physical appearance. With this, penetration into the market becomes easier, and vendors can increase their income,” said Paras Adhikari.
The initiative is particularly significant for Mongar, where agriculture plays a central role in livelihoods. By improving packaging and branding, local products are expected to reach beyond the local market, tapping into regional and even national demand.
The establishment of the Eco-Friendly Packaging and Labelling Centre in Mongar is expected to create a long-term impact on the district’s agricultural sector. Once operational, the centre will provide farmers and vendors with access to modern packaging facilities, ensuring that local produce meets both quality and environmental standards.
Funded by CFLI, the project represents an important collaboration between international partners, local authorities, and farmers. It underscores Bhutan’s commitment to sustainability and to promoting its organic agricultural products in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
With improved packaging, proper labelling, and eco-friendly practices, Mongar’s farmers and vendors are poised to benefit from wider market access while safeguarding the authenticity of their products and protecting the environment.
