Samdrup Jongkhar District (Dzongkha: བསམ་གྲུབ་ལྗོངས་མཁར་རྫོང་ཁག་; Wylie: Bsam-grub Ljongs-mkhar rdzong-khag) is one of the 20 dzongkhags (districts) comprising Bhutan. The dominant languages of the district are Tshangla (Sharchopkha) in the north and west, and Lhotsam in the east. It covers a total area of 1878 sq km.[2] Samdrup Dzongkhag comprises two Dungkhags: Jomotsangkha and Samdrupcholing, and 11 Gewogs.[2]
Geography
Samdrup Jongkhar District is situated in the southeastern corner of the country, sharing its southern and northern borders with the Indian states of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, respectively. The district falls within the subtropical climate zone, spanning an elevation range of 200 to 3600 meters above sea level. The temperature in this region varies from a minimum of 14°C to a maximum of 36°C during the peak summer months. The average annual rainfall, as recorded at Aerong, is 5309.4 mm, contributing to the lush environment. The district experiences an average annual temperature of 23.8 °C, with approximately 2749 mm of precipitation occurring annually.[3]
Vision
A self-reliant Dzongkhag co-existing in peace and harmony with enhanced socio-economic standards, rich natural resources and cultural heritage
According to the Population and Housing Census of Bhutan (PHCB) conducted in 2017, the population was recorded at 35,079.[4]
Administrative Divisions
The Samdrup Jongkhar Dzong was inagurated by H.E. Lyonpo T. Jagar, Honorable Home Minister on 24th November 1983.
Samdrup Jongkhar Dzongkhag is an Administrative region located in southeastern Bhutan. The Dzongkhag is subdivided into two Drungkhags and eleven (gewogs)[5]
Samdrup Choling Drungkhag is positioned approximately 68 km away from the main administrative zone. It encompasses Gewogs such as Samrang, Pemathang, Phuntshothang, and Martsalla.
Jomotsangkha Drungkhag is situated at a distance of around 181 km via India. Within its jurisdiction lie Gewogs such as Lauri, Serthi, and Langchenphu. Completing the administrative structure are Gewogs like Doethang, Orong, Gomdar, and Wangphu.
Samdrup Jongkhar Brand “SAMJONG”
SAMJONG Brand Logo
SAMJONG, the distinctive brand of Samdrup Jongkhar District, was unveiled on June 23, 2023, with a visionary purpose: to champion local products and destinations.[6]
The custodian of this brand is the Rural Youth Processing and Marketing Enterprise, comprising enthusiastic youth from eleven gewogs. SAMJONG's primary focus lies in crafting value-added products, cultivating a profound sense of local identity, curbing imports, addressing market challenges, alleviating unemployment concerns, reinforcing cooperative efforts, and propelling the local economy to new heights.
By synergizing these elements, SAMJONG aims to elevate the district's economic landscape while celebrating its rich heritage and fostering community pride.
Description of the Logo
The name "Samjong" is a contraction of "Samdrup Jongkhar," which indicates the origin of the products associated with the brand.
The logo features two stylized leaves positioned above the name "SAMJONG," which represents the progressive economic growth of the Dzongkhag.
Inside the letter "O" of the word "SAMJONG," a small leaf growing upwards represents the green economy growth and sustainability.
The national brand, “BHUTAN BELIEVE”, above the word "SAMJONG," conveys the Dzongkhag’s initiatives are in line with core values of National Brand.
In the Dzongkhag, there are 6 registered cooperatives and 47 farmers' groups. The majority of FGs are in the Agriculture Sector, followed by Livestock and then Forestry, with 41% in agriculture, 32% in livestock, and 18% in forestry.[7]
Agriculture and livestock
Samdrup Jongkhar's mainstay cash crops include areca nuts, ginger, garlic, oranges, and Cardamom. Notably, Samdrup Jongkhar has also introduced high-value crops like quinoa and avocado, broadening its agricultural scope.[8]
The agricultural practices in Samdrup Jongkhar encompass both dry and wet land cultivation. A unique cereal, known as Khamtay, distinguishes the dzongkhag. In the livestock sector, the region encompasses various activities, including aquaculture, apiculture, piggery, poultry, and sheep rearing.[8]
Tourism
The Chökyi Gyatso Institute (CGI)
It is located at Dewathang. It is truly unique in various aspects. It originated as a small temple constructed by Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche’s maternal grandfather, Lama Sonam Zangpo.[9] Following a ten-year renovation, the monastery began its final phase of reconstruction in 2015.
Bhairab Kunda Shiva Mandir
Bhairab Kunda Shiva Mandir
The Shiva Mandir at Jomotsangkha is popular among the local visitors and also regional tourists from across the border. There is a self-arisen lake with linga beside the cave.[10]
The seed bank includes sixty-seven different kinds of seeds for cereals and vegetables that are native to the area. This place is like a library for seeds, especially the important ones known as Dru-na-gu.[11]
Industry
Motanga Industrial Park, situated in Samdrup Jongkhar, is a pivotal initiative by the Bhutanese government to cultivate small to medium-sized industries.[12] Its strategic location, a mere 12 km from SJ Town and near the Indian border, positions it as an ideal manufacturing and export-focused enclave. Encompassing a substantial 156 acres, the park is a nucleus for key sectors, including mineral and chemical-based, forest and wood-based, as well as food and agro-based industries. This dynamic endeavor exemplifies Bhutan's dedication to economic diversification, fostering growth, and strengthening cross-border trade relationships.
^"Parks of Bhutan". Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation online. Bhutan Trust Fund. Archived from the original on 2011-07-02. Retrieved 2011-03-26.
