– Editorial
In the corners of Changzamtok, Startup Centre, Thimphu a young and ambitious entrepreneur, Jangchub Dorji, has been quietly steering his frozen French fries production unit, “Kuen-Gha Fingerlings,” toward a vision of growth and sustainability.
Hailing from a remote and humble background, Jangchub brings forth a unique perspective and determination to contribute to his community. With a keen focus on utilizing locally sourced potatoes, his enterprise stands as a testament to the potential for sustainable and locally-driven economic growth.
However, despite his commendable efforts and three years of hands-on experience in the frozen French fries production industry, Jangchub faces a daunting challenge in securing the financial backing necessary to upgrade his production plant through automation. The absence of urban immovable properties for mortgage purposes restricts his access to conventional financing avenues, leaving him at a crossroads.
In a bid to seek support, Jangchub has diligently submitted his business proposal to various funding agencies, highlighting not only the seriousness of his endeavor but also the promising prospects it holds for the local economy. Regrettably, his proposals have failed to secure the attention they deserve, leading to a sense of disheartenment and frustration.
Employing three full-time youths, including himself, Jangchub’s ambitions extend beyond personal success. His dream of enhancing production capacity not only promises to create more job opportunities for the unemployed youth but also to absorb more locally grown potatoes for value addition, addressing a critical market problem that has plagued the region for years.
The market problem concerning locally produced potatoes has been a recurring theme in news headlines and parliamentary discussions. Despite the acknowledgment of the issue, a concrete and long-term solution remains elusive. Interestingly, ventures like Jangchub’s present a golden opportunity for the government to actively contribute to addressing this problem.
Supporting enterprises such as Kuen-Gha Fingerlings through soft loans or grants could pave the way for the establishment of a reliable and long-term market for locally produced potatoes. The ripple effect of value addition in the potato industry would not only generate employment opportunities but also contribute to reducing imports and establishing sustainable business practices.
It is disheartening to witness a passionate entrepreneur like Jangchub on the verge of giving up due to the lack of understanding and support from funding agencies. The dichotomy between the pressing market problem and the neglect of businesses that consume locally produced potatoes raises crucial questions about the priorities in our support systems.
Meanwhile, Jangchub’s story is a call to action. A call to recognize the untapped potential in local entrepreneurs, a call to understand the significance of supporting businesses that contribute to the local economy, and a call to foster an environment where dreams like Jangchub’s can flourish.
It is time for the government to extend a helping hand and empower entrepreneurs like Jangchub Dorji in their pursuit of a sustainable and locally-driven future.
