Sonam Chophel, 45, of Berti, Zhemgang, is trying hard to keep his smoked fish production business going. He is the district’s lone remaining venture of this kind. Despite seven years of existence, this local company has faced a number of problems, ranging from manufacturing constraints to declining market demand. The administration provided him with a smoker equipment capable of drying up to 20 kilograms of fish at a time. He also obtained training in smoked fish manufacturing from the dzongkhag’s livestock department. However, commerce has slowed significantly over the years. Sonam Chophel had to put his expansion plans on hold due to market constraints. He currently operates on a demand basis.
His two fish ponds near Mangdechhu are routinely plundered by river otters. With the smoked fish company, which was once his main source of income, now unable to maintain his family. Sonam Chophel has switched his concentration to poultry farming. Ugyen Lhendup stated that the livestock sector’s goal is to produce 4 metric tonnes of smoked dried fish every year. producing more than Nu 4.8 million in income. The catch fishery operates for three years and is subject to renewal. The group has completed two terms of operation and is currently in the process of renewing its contract with revised bylaws and a new management plan.