Linking Central Regional Referral Hospital (CRRH) with FGs, Coops and B-Coops shop
“A small but crucial step for improving market accessibility” Linking Central Regional Referral Hospital (CRRH) with FGs, Coops and B-Coops shop
In Bhutan, poverty is predominantly rural feature with 17.5% while the urban poverty rate is only 4.2% in 2024. The agri-food sector remains vital for rural economy, contributing 14.67% to the GDP. By the end of 13th FYP, sector aspires to contribute Nu. 50 billion to GDP. To accomplish this shared goal, BRECSA is being implemented in four Dzongkhags (Sarpang, Zhemgang, Trongsa and Tsirang). Funded by the GAFSP and IFAD, project aims to catalyze a 30% increase in resilient commercial agricultural production and improve food and nutrition security in the target Dzongkhags by 2030.
Amid many, market inaccessibility is the notable challenge being faced by the rural farmers. In fact, a dreaded impediment for promoting agriculture as a business and making economically viable and sustainable. Hence, in an effort to improve market accessibility, Central Regional Referral Hospital (CRRH) was linked with famers groups and cooperatives of Sarpang Dzongkhag. RAMCO, Gelephu coordinated Buyer-Seller Meet (BSM) on 14 April 2025 where contractual agreement was signed. The BRECSA project financially supported the program and WFP TA rendered the technical supports.
Honestly, CRRH is not huge market but consistent and reliable for our small producers groups. It is a 150-bedded hospital serving as referral point for Tsirang, Dagana, Zhemgangand Nganglam. Sarpang Broiler Cooperative (SBC), Dungkharphu Tsessey Detshen (DTD), Lothuen Om Detshen (LOD) and Gelephu B-Coops shop will supply meat (chicken & beef), vegetables, fruits, dairy products and eggs to CRRH starting from 1May 2025 as per schedule below:.
| Sl.# | Commodity | Quantity (Kg) | Amount (Nu.) | Supplier | Supply Schedule |
| 1 | Vegetables | 270 | 12750 | Dungkarphu Tsessey Detshen | Weekly |
| 2 | Fruits | 37 | 2140 | Dungkarphu Tsessey Detshen | Thrice in a week |
| 3 | Beef | 12 | 3120 | Sarpang Broiler Cooperative | Twice in a week |
| 4 | Chicken | 12 | 5520 | Sarpang Broiler Cooperative | Twice in a week |
| 5 | Cottage cheese | 2.5 | 550 | Lothuen Om Detshen | Weekly |
| 6 | Yogurt | 14 | 2100 | Lothuen Om Detshen | Weekly |
| 7 | Paneer | 1.5 | 825 | Lothuen Om Detshen | Weekly |
| 8 | Eggs | 3 | 8640 | B-Coops Shop, Gelephu | Thrice in a week |
| Total | 35,645.00 | ||||
A weekly income of Nu. 35,645 is expected to get by the coops and FGs linked with the hospital, which will approximately come to Nu. 0.43 million in a year. The contractual agreement was signed for one year and it will be reviewed and renewed annually. A total of 26 households having population of 104 people (50 female, 54 male) is expected to benefit from this linking program.
Administration Officer, Store Keeper and the senior cook, represented the CRRH. For quality assurance, BFDA agreed to inspect the supplies periodically. This particular networking may not generate huge impact but it is a crucial step towards addressing market inaccessibility. Many more such linking with various institutions, schools, exporters, vendors and processing units are indispensable.
