Kalyan Mahat: Cultivating Sustainable Agriculture and Empowering Bhutanese Farmers

Kalyan Mahat, a 49-year-old from Doonglang, Tsirang has embarked on a remarkable journey of transforming the agricultural sector in Bhutan. Armed with a Bachelor of Commerce degree, Mahat founded Jinlab Agro Products in 2021, a company that produces a diverse range of healthy organic products.

With a firm commitment to sustainability and quality, Jinlab Agro Products aims to provide local farmers with a market for their high-quality value-added goods, catering to both domestic and international markets.

Mahat’s entrepreneurial journey began shortly after his graduation when he ventured into the grocery retail and wholesale business in Tsirang and Thimphu. Additionally, he pursued poultry farming and electronic home appliance repair, displaying his unwavering dedication to exploring different avenues of business. However, Mahat’s aspirations went beyond mere retail and repair. Inspired by his lifelong passion for business and product creation, he sought to establish his own line of organic products.

“Since my childhood, I have been deeply interested in business and had always dreamt of creating my own products,” Mahat fondly reminisces. Initially, he contemplated producing organic goods utilizing kiwi as the main ingredient. However, his vision expanded as he realized the potential for a wider range of organic offerings.

Today, Jinlab Agro Bhutan stands as a testament to Mahat’s perseverance and dedication. The company manufactures an impressive assortment of organic products, ranging from kiwi, avocado, Yacon fruit jams, and kiwi wine to honey (Native Honey and stingless bee honey), shilajit, Yacon syrup alternative sweetener, organic certified turmeric powder, lakadong turmeric capsules, black turmeric capsules, black ginger capsules, cardamom, cardamom seed powder, and more. These products have not only captured the attention of local consumers but have also made their way to international markets such as the USA, Australia, Japan, Singapore, and India.

However, the journey of Jinlab Agro Products was not without its challenges. Like many budding businesses, Mahat encountered difficulties in marketing, sourcing suitable packaging materials, and developing expertise in value addition.

“Starting this business presented numerous obstacles for me, particularly due to my lack of training in the relevant field,” Mahat admits. Fueled by his determination and a one-man army approach, he personally managed every aspect of the business, from farming and processing to packaging and marketing. He enlisted a few helpers during peak seasons but largely relied on his own resourcefulness to overcome the hurdles.

Mahat’s success can be attributed to his unwavering focus, ability to accept customer criticism constructively, and his drive for self-improvement. Recognizing the importance of staying up-to-date with industry trends and innovation, he embraced online research and development, constantly seeking ways to enhance the quality and appeal of his products. Social media platforms became a valuable tool for marketing, allowing him to connect directly with customers and build a loyal following. To address packaging challenges, Mahat imported materials from India, ensuring his products were attractively presented and preserved.

One pivotal turning point in Mahat’s journey came with the support of the Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI). Through their assistance, Jinlab Agro Products secured a special permit to import a wide range of kiwi varieties, including the hairless red enza kiwi and the regular fuzzy kiwi (red and green). This breakthrough allowed Mahat to diversify his product line and cater to the growing demand for unique and exotic fruits, further expanding the company’s reach and impact.

Mahat’s relentless pursuit of knowledge and innovation has taken him beyond the borders of Bhutan. Numerous trips to neighboring Nepal enabled him to study kiwi cultivation techniques, laying the foundation for a robust and thriving kiwi production process within Jinlab Agro Products.

Today, Kalyan Mahat’s Jinlab Agro Products is not just a business venture; it is a symbol of sustainable agriculture and empowerment for Bhutanese farmers. By providing a market for their high-quality value-added goods, Mahat has played a crucial role in uplifting local farming communities, ensuring fair compensation for their hard work and dedication.

As Jinlab Agro Products continues to flourish, Mahat’s vision and commitment to organic farming inspire aspiring entrepreneurs and advocates of sustainable agriculture. His journey serves as a testament to the power of resilience, resourcefulness, and a relentless pursuit of one’s dreams.

With each jar of organic jam, bottle of turmeric capsules, or bundle of freshly harvested cardamom, Kalyan Mahat and Jinlab Agro Products are sowing the seeds of a brighter and healthier future for Bhutan, one farm at a time. Through his passion and unwavering dedication, Mahat is shaping the landscape of organic agriculture, making a lasting impact on Bhutan’s economy, environment, and the lives of its farming communities.

By Tendrel Zangmo