August 21: Dagana Dzongkhag’s Daga Shindrey Tshogpa is battling with losses incurred during its operation. With a host of factors contributing to the losses, the Tshogpa has been discussing ways and means to keep the organization sustainable.

Daga Shindrey Tshogpa is a farmer’s group presently consisting of 96 farmers of the 6 geogs of Drujegang, Trashiding, Tsendegang, Goshi, Geserling and Tseza. It was established in 2005 to enhance the income of the farmers. The group is engaged in the export of oranges to Bangladesh and India and processing mandarin pulp for supply to the food processing industries in the country.

But the group’s business ventures have not translated into profits. It has so far incurred losses exceeding Nu. 2 million.

While there have been many factors contributing to the losses, lack of proper accounting is cited as one of the problems.

Meanwhile, some of the members of the group suspect misuse. The secretary of the Tshogpa Jurmey Dorji said the issue was discussed in one of the meetings and the group has requested for a proper audit.

Tsendeygang Gup Ten Dorji who is a board member of the Tshogpa told BBS that while some of the members are contemplating withdrawing from the group, Daga Shindrey Tshogpa remains very much a viable operation towards improving the income and livlihod of the members.

He is hopeful that the Tshogpa should be able to make some profit. Like Gup Ten Dorji, 40-year-old member Sagay Sherpa said he hopes that the Tshogpa would be able to at least recover the losses by next year.

Meanwhile, members have agreed to provide free labour in the next season to cut the expenses and to recover the losses incurred.