Despite COVID-19,  export of oranges have increased by 30 percent this year compared to the previous year, according to Bhutanese exporters.

Rinyang Export house exported more than 100 truckloads of oranges to Bangladesh and about 20 truckloads to India from its depot in Samdrupjongkhar until last week, according to the Kuensel newspaper. 

It had exported about 80 truckloads the previous year.

An exporter, Seyna, said the orange quality was good this season.

Sherab Zangpo, another exporter, said he exported more than 58 truckloads to Bangladesh and about 25 truckloads to India this season.

About 4,500 metric tonnes (MT) of oranges were exported from Samdrupjongkhar and earned Nu 127.384M, according to a press release issued by the eastern COVID-19 taskforce.  

The exporters exported about 3,438MT and generated Nu 116.52M last year.

The press release said the exports increased due to import-export communication and coordination (IECC) system that has been put in place.

However, they faced labour challenges as the Bhutanese labourers were not experienced in grading and packing, exporters said.