Author: DoL Livestock

3rd National Livestock Research Coordination Workshop Begins in Zhemgang

Zhemgang, December 27, 2025: The National Livestock Research Centre (NLRC), Bumthang, is organizing the 3rd National Livestock Research Coordination Workshop from 27–28 December 2025 in Zhemgang, bringing together livestock researchers, scientists, and practitioners from across the country to strengthen coordination and guide future research priorities in the livestock sector.

The two-day workshop is aimed at aligning national livestock research activities with the 13th Five Year Plan (FYP) priorities, with a strong focus on adaptive research, high-value livestock products, and sustainable research systems. It also seeks to enhance collaboration among key stakeholders and promote an integrated national livestock research framework.

During the workshop, participants will receive updates and preliminary findings from ongoing research initiatives, including the Yagyu and apiculture research projects, as well as studies assessing factors contributing to the rising egg prices in Bhutan. The workshop will also review the Livestock Research Strategy, Operational Modalities and Implementation Guidelines 2023, ensuring that research governance and implementation mechanisms remain relevant and responsive.

A key component of the workshop is the identification and prioritization of livestock research issues for FY 2026–2027, aligned with the Department of Livestock’s 13th FYP objectives and long-term development plans. The forum further provides a platform for sharing research findings, innovations, and emerging technologies through scientific paper presentations.

In addition, participants will benefit from a practical demonstration of the Online Journal System (OJS) of the Bhutan Journal of Animal Science (BJAS), aimed at strengthening scientific documentation and publication capacity among Livestock Production Officers and Veterinary Officers. A panel discussion on emerging technologies, innovations, and data use in livestock research will also be conducted to encourage informed dialogue on future research directions.

The workshop is chaired by the Hon’ble Director General, Department of Livestock (DoL), and is attended by around 70 livestock officials from the Department of Livestock, central programmes and farms, 20 Dzongkhag Livestock Sectors, and invited scientific paper presenters.

The workshop is funded through the Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) and the DoL GoI–PTA approved budget for the FY 2025–2026.

Reported by: National Livestock Research Centre, Bumthang

 

The Department of Livestock (DoL), Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, has launched the Equine Development Strategy and Action Plan 2025, aimed at revitalizing Bhutan’s equine sector and conserving indigenous horse breeds.

Bhutan’s equine population has declined from 24,333 in 2006 to 10,499 in 2024, representing an average annual decrease of 4.9 percent over the last 18 years. Officials attribute the decline largely to expanding road connectivity and reduced reliance on equines for transport.

Despite this trend, equines remain important for eco-tourism, highland livelihoods, and religious and cultural ceremonies, particularly in dzongkhags such as Gasa, Thimphu, and Paro, which continue to maintain higher equine populations.

The strategy is implemented through the National Equine Farm (NEF) in Nasphel, Bumthang, which currently manages 84 equines on 57.99 acres of registered land, including 45 acres of improved pasture. The farm maintains local Yuta horses, Spiti horses imported from India, as well as donkeys and mules.

Key interventions under the strategy include genetic improvement through pure-line and crossbreeding, strengthened community-based breeding programs, and enhanced institutional capacity. In July 2024, Bhutan also received 300 doses of frozen Mongolian stallion semen to improve genetic diversity in the national horse population.

By the end of the 13th and 14th Five-Year Plans, the Department aims to increase annual horse production from 5 to 40 animals and mule production from 5 to 25 animals, while maintaining dedicated equines for religious institutions and the Royal stable.

The Equine Development Strategy and Action Plan 2025 is expected to contribute to sustainable livelihoods, preserve Bhutan’s cultural heritage, and ensure a resilient future for the country’s equine sector.