Neten Dorji
Samdrupjongkhar—For six years, orange exporter Ugyen Duba has faced recurring logistical hurdles in his efforts to sustain his business and contribute to the local economy.
Each season, like four other exporters in the dzongkhag, he has to construct temporary depots to grade oranges and arrange transportation—a costly and inefficient practice.
Exporters are now calling on the government to invest in a permanent depot in Samdrupjongkhar. They say that such an investment would streamline their operations and eliminate the seasonal need for temporary facilities.
Each exporter spends more than Nu 200,000 annually on materials such as bamboo and tarpaulin to build temporary depots. They also pay at least Nu 26,000 to use thromde land for the facilities. The cycle of construction and dismantling adds operational strain and drives up costs.
“Every season, we face the same financial and logistical burdens,” said Ugyen Duba, owner of UD Kota Exporter. “A permanent dry port would significantly ease our challenges and improve the export process.”
The seasonal depots also impact the quality of oranges and other crops, exporters say, as the lack of proper storage facilities leads to losses during grading and transportation.
“We are stuck in a cycle of setting up and breaking down temporary depots every season,” said Khandu Dorji, owner of Norbu Yangkhil Export. “This incurs substantial costs for us, which could otherwise be invested in improving the quality of our produce or expanding our market reach.”
According to the exporters, a permanent depot would help solve many of the logistical challenges, offering a more stable environment for storing oranges and ensuring better preservation of other cash crops, such as ginger, potatoes, cardamom, and areca nuts, among others.
“A permanent depot would not only address storage and preservation issues but also support year-round operations,” said Rinchen Dorji, 59, owner of Ri-Yang Export from Gomdar. “This investment would boost the local economy and help us avoid avoidable expenses.”
Exporters said the government has to improve the facilities since they are generating revenue for the country by exporting oranges. “Every time we pay taxes, it is like we are investing in the government. It is high time they give something back to us, like permanent infrastructure and better facilities,” said an exporter.
An agricultural officer also highlighted the need to improve infrastructure to increase export opportunities for local farmers.
“We have seen how a lack of infrastructure in the past has held back many industries, and this is no different. If the government addresses this, it could transform the orange export business here,” he said.
The need for a permanent depot was discussed during one of the dzongkhag and stakeholder meetings. However, exporters will have to continue using temporary sheds until a permanent depot is established.