Cooking Oil Crusade

Sonam Zam, 22-year-old from Pangbisa, Paro has emerged as a beacon of hope for Bhutan’s food security. As the founder of Paro Refining, established in 2022, Sonam is on a resolute mission to craft organic and health-conscious cooking oils for consumers, whilst pioneering the establishment of the first-ever edible oil processing units in Bhutan.

Amidst Bhutan’s persistent food deficit and the escalating reliance on imports, particularly from neighboring India, Sonam Zam has undertaken an extraordinary journey to reclaim the nation’s food sovereignty. With an earnest belief that domestic production of edible oils holds the key to fortifying the country’s food security, Sonam was profoundly inspired by her brother, Sonam Tshering, who initiated the mustard oil business and later entrusted her with its helm.

The journey wasn’t without its challenges. Sonam Zam reflects on the initial struggles, where the scarcity of raw materials and the absence of technical expertise acted as formidable barriers. “There were no technical experts in our country who could help me in choosing the variety of oil-producing seeds and nuts and providing insights into machinery choices and setup,” she shares.

Market penetration posed another daunting hurdle, as Bhutanese consumers habitually gravitated towards cost-effective imported cooking oils, often overlooking locally-produced, organic alternatives. “The people look for quantity more often than quality,” observes Sonam Zam, underscoring the uphill battle faced in changing consumer habits.

Armed with a high school education and a thirst for knowledge, Sonam Zam found herself lacking in formal business experience. While her ambition was immense, her journey was fraught with challenges as numerous financial institutions and government bodies initially rejected Paro Refining’s business proposals for crucial machinery.

However, buoyed by unwavering family support, Sonam Zam refused to succumb to setbacks and continued to push her business ahead.

Presently, Paro Refining has expanded its operations, cultivating not only mustard seeds on its own farm but also engaging in collaborative efforts with local farmers. Their unique service offers the processing of customers’ mustard seeds into oil for a minimal fee, solidifying their role as a community-oriented enterprise.

Sonam Zam’s unwavering commitment has breathed new life into Bhutan’s cooking oil landscape, placing a renewed emphasis on quality, health, and organic practices. Drawing from her own experiences, she offers sage advice to budding entrepreneurs: formulate a robust business plan, foster a strong network, embrace failures as stepping stones to success, and prioritize customer satisfaction.

Sonam Zam’s journey from a remote village in Paro to the forefront of the nation’s food security battle is a testament to the power of determination, innovation, and a resolute vision. As she forges ahead with her mission, she remains an embodiment of Bhutan’s youthful entrepreneurial spirit and a beacon of hope for a food-secure future.

By Tendrel Zangmo