๐๐๐๐ฉ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ฌ๐๐ฉ๐ ๐ฉ๐๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐๐จ๐ฉ๐ค๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ฉ๐ค๐ง ๐ค๐ ๐๐๐ข๐๐๐๐ฉ๐จ๐๐๐ก ๐ฟ๐ฏ๐ค๐ฃ๐๐ ๐๐๐
On November 28, the Director and Chiefs met with the Livestock Sector team of Pemagatshel Dzongkhag. The Director commended the teamโs remarkable achievements especially in dairy sector and encouraged them to remain motivated and committed to serving the farming community. An overview of the Department’s 13th Five-Year Plan was presented, emphasizing the importance of strong leadership qualities, particularly the 3Ds of Leadership: Direction (setting clear goals), Drive (fostering teamwork and collaboration), and Delivery (ensuring effective and efficient implementation) in order to achieve the results.
Key discussions included critical technical and strategic priorities, including enhancing farm biosecurity measures, maintaining effective communication lines, procuring Jersey cattle to improve the national dairy herd, establishment of Elite Heifer Breeding Schemes in the country, and adopting a One Health Approach to ensure inclusivity in the food production system. Other topics included improving animal nutrition, coordinating food supplies for Gyalsuung, and developing high-quality livestock products to expand market opportunities for farmers.
๐๐๐จ๐๐ฉ ๐ฉ๐ค ๐๐๐ฃ๐๐ ๐ค๐ง ๐๐๐ก๐ ๐๐ง๐ค๐๐๐จ๐จ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐ฃ๐๐ฉ ๐๐ฃ ๐๐๐ช๐ข๐๐ง ๐๐๐ฌ๐ค๐
The Director visited the Nangkor Milk Processing Unit in Shumar Gewog, a key facility in the region supporting local dairy farmers and enhancing milk production value chains. Supported by CARLEP (IFAD), the unit comprises two groups: Bartsiri Gonor Chuethuen Detsen, with 5 members (4 women), and the Shumar Dairy Group, with 61 members (42 women). Together, the groups process approximately 7,000 liters of milk per month (320 liters daily) into products such as cheese, butter, and yogurt. Additionally, Bartsiri Gonor Chuethuen Detsen supplies milk to schools and sells liquid milk locally.
The Director commended the strong participation of women, recognizing their significant role in improving livelihoods, fostering entrepreneurship, and advancing the growth of the dairy sector. This reflects the broader empowerment of women in rural development and agricultural value chains.
๐๐๐จ๐๐ฉ ๐ฉ๐ค ๐๐๐ก๐ ๐๐ง๐ค๐๐๐จ๐จ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐ฃ๐๐ฉ ๐๐ฃ ๐๐ค๐ง๐๐ช๐๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ค๐
The Director and team also visited the Milk Processing Unit (MPU) operated by Zambalha Natshog Nyamley Tshogdey (ZNNT) in Norbugang Gewog. Established in 2015 with 32 members, the group has expanded to include 65 active members (30 men and 35 women) from four villages: Rinchenzor, Norbugang, Ningshingborang, and Tahsingzor. During the flush season, the group collectively produces 700-800 liters of fresh milk daily, which is processed into 700-800 balls of cheese and 35-40 kilograms of butter. These products are marketed in Nganglam Town, Phuntsholing, and Thimphu, significantly contributing to rural livelihoods and the local economy.
The MPU has thrived with continuous support from CARLEP (IFAD), enabling it to sustain and grow its operations. The initiative has created stable employment opportunities for local youth, improved household incomes, and empowered rural communities. It has also promoted trust and confidence among group members, driving collective efforts toward shared goals and strengthening community bonds. The Director commended the teams for their dedication and reaffirmed the departmentโs commitment to providing continued support for sustainable development in the region.
