The Regional Livestock Development Centre (RLDC) in Kanglung successfully conducted a weeklong Dairy Product Diversification Training for field staff, Milk Processing Unit (MPU) operators, and Milk Collection Centre (MCC) operators from six eastern Dzongkhags, along with participants the National Biodiversity Centre (NBC). The training, funded by the CARLEP Project, was held from 5 to 11 November 2025.
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The training aimed to enhance participantsโ technical capacity and practical skills in dairy product diversification and value addition. It was aligned with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestockโs 13th Five Year Plan (FYP) 2024 to 2029, which emphasizes the transformation of the agrifood sector through commercialization, innovation, and rural entrepreneurship.
Under the 13th Plan, the Department of Livestock seeks to increase livestock productivity, promote high value dairy products, and strengthen value chains to raise the agrifood sectorโs contribution from Nu 31 billion in 2023 to Nu 50 billion by 2029.
Dairy product diversification is a key initiative under this framework to improve market competitiveness, enhance rural income, and promote self-sufficiency in dairy production.
Traditionally, farmers and processors in eastern Bhutan have focused on producing butter and cheese. This training introduced participants to the processing of a wider range of dairy products including yogurt, paneer, mozzarella, tomme, gomdel cheese, and Rasgulla. This initiative has helped participants diversify their product range, enhance income opportunities, and meet changing consumer demands.
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The program combined theoretical sessions on clean milk production, milk quality testing, and quality-based payment systems with practical training on processing diversified dairy products. Participants gained hands-on experience and confidence to replicate these practices in their respective processing units and cooperatives.
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The sessions were facilitated by experts from the National Dairy Development Centre (NDDC), National Highland Development Centre (NHDC), and National Cattle Breeding Centre (NCBC). Their technical support helped bridge the gap between traditional practices and modern dairy technologies, equipping participants with advanced knowledge to improve milk handling and processing standards.
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The completion of this training marked a significant step toward enhancing rural entrepreneurship and improving dairy value chains in eastern Bhutan. It demonstrated the Department of Livestockโs continued commitment to empower farming communities, promote value addition, and strengthen local economies through knowledge and skills development.
Through this initiative, RLDC Kanglung has contributed to building a more diversified and resilient dairy sector that supports the Ministryโs broader vision of Transforming the Agrifood Sector for Economic Growth and Sustainable Development as outlined in the Thirteenth Five Year Plan.
The program concluded with participants expressing confidence and enthusiasm to apply their newly acquired skills within their respective milk units and cooperatives, reinforcing the Department’s goal of achieving sustainable and inclusive rural growth through innovation in dairy processing.
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