Despite convincing and creating awareness among farmers about the benefits of growing locally and the importance of maize growers in his place, the founder of Ama Kharang, Jigme Wangdi from Wamrong – has every reason to smile. His ‘Ama Kharang’ -an agriculture-based business has a successful story, to say the least, inspirational.
He is one of the former teachers. He buys maize from Moshi and Wamrong, and even from gewogs in the neighbouring district of Pemagatshel.
“Ama kharang” has been in business for almost seven months now -is a small agribusiness firm that functions in affiliation with the farmers of various regions. “The committee of farmers supplies their maize produce seasonally to the firm for the production of Kharang (maize grit), Tengma (beaten maize), maize flour, and popcorn.”
Talking with MyBiz, Jigme Wangdi said, “I am running a business firm with the brand name ‘Ama Kharang’. We buy maize from our hardworking farmers, hire local village women, and school drop-out girls to process Kharang.
He shared “His Majesty’s vision to make our country an independent and food self-sufficient nation,” – which is the main inspiration behind Ama Kharang. And moreover, deep inside my heart, he said, “I have always dreamt to serve my nation in my own little way and benefit our people especially Youths, farmers, and financially challenged aged senior citizens.”
“My biggest challenge was or still is, to convince and create awareness to our farmers about the benefits of growing locally,” he said, adding that they try to buy maize as much as they can so that our farmers don’t feel demotivated.
In addition, he said his motives and intentions were to support poor farmers by establishing Ama Kharang, “I struggled so much getting funding support. Yet, I didn’t lose hope and kept myself pushing because I had or have genuine feelings to help farmers by providing them a platform.”
To be a successful entrepreneur, Jigme said, he has realized that one has to completely understand the market of one’s product and do necessary marketing accordingly. “I am also a struggling entrepreneur still trying to fulfill my dreams,” he said.
When asked what the word “entrepreneur” mean to him, he said, “Entrepreneurs are the guardian of the nation’s backbone of the economy.”
Meanwhile, with proper packaging, these products are marketed within the country in grocery shops, wholesale shops, and even to schools, monasteries, etc. “The scope of the market can be increased for export after the need analysis is done,” he shared.
With the help of his family members, Jigme said the corn is de-husked and then put in the grinder machine to produce Kharang. “We are supplying our products to Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, and Phuentshogling. So far, we have supplied around two tons of Kharang packets,” he said.
A packet of kharang costs Nu 90. The Kharang business may take time to create its niche in the market. However, for now, it is helping farmers generate income.
By Ugyen Choden
