The 2nd Watermelon Festival, held alongside the 4th Made in Bhutan Exhibition in Thimphu, has brought the spotlight to a remarkable agricultural success story from Zhemgang. The Khenrig Namsum Cooperative, representing 22 farmers from the region, has delivered a 12-tonne harvest of fresh, locally grown watermelon, featuring five different varieties.
The festival aims to promote locally grown fruits, support rural livelihoods, and encourage value addition in Bhutan’s agriculture sector. It provides a critical marketing platform for watermelon growers, who often struggle to compete with imported produce in urban markets.
“Due to the large size of our watermelons and a preference for imported ones among some vendors, we usually face challenges in selling them,” said Thinley Wangdi, Chairperson of the Khenrig Namsum Cooperative. “However, this festival gives us the opportunity to add value by making watermelon ice cream, juice, and selling pre-sliced packages. It’s a big boost for our farmers.”
The initiative also aligns with Bhutan’s broader goals of enhancing food self-sufficiency and strengthening rural economies. The cooperative’s participation in the festival reflects the potential of community-based farming models to contribute to national markets.
Visitors to the festival have been enjoying the juicy, sweet watermelons on display, alongside innovative by-products such as watermelon sorbets, fresh beverages, and eco-friendly packaging options.
The festival is part of a larger event organized by the Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), in collaboration with the Department of Agricultural Marketing and Cooperatives and the Department of Employment and Entrepreneurship. Together, these institutions aim to support local farmers by connecting them with consumers and creating platforms for agribusiness innovation.
With rising interest and consumer support, stakeholders hope to see the Watermelon Festival expand to include more dzongkhags in the coming years, further strengthening Bhutan’s commitment to local produce and rural development.
