Author: DoL Livestock

𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑: The National Piggery Development Centre (NPiDC) and National Poultry Development Centre (NPDC) collaborated to organize a technical convention with the twenty Dzongkhag Livestock Sectors, represented by senior Dzongkhag Livestock Officers, to deliberate and finalize the guidelines for the institution of piggery and poultry farm registration system (FRS) in the country. The consultation meeting being convened from 2-3 October in Bumthang aims to gather valuable insights and feedback from stakeholders, essential for finalizing these guidelines. Furthermore, it aimed to raise awareness and understanding of the fundamental principles, as well as educate Dzongkhags on the digitization of services approach implemented by the Department of Livestock. This digital approach is vital for enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in the piggery and poultry production systems throughout the country.

The meeting also attended by the representatives from Bhutan Food and Drug Authority (BFDA), technical experts from National Livestock Research Centres, NPiDC, NPDC and DoL HQ is funded by FAO Bhutan under its Technical Cooperation Programme.

𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦

The Poultry and Piggery Sectors constitute a majority of the livestock farming communities in Bhutan. As these sectors continue to evolve and expand, it necessitates the implementation of farm identification and registration processes to encourage online reporting, real-time data generation, and informed policy directives. The absence of a formal registration system has raised concerns about basic management practices and animal welfare standards in piggery and poultry farms, as well as the inability to generate real-time data. To address these issues, the Department of Livestock as a part of its 13th five-year plan is moving forward to register the piggery and poultry farms in the country in order to strengthen the overall production system in the country.

𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐞

→ Organized and improved coordination of the poultry/piggery industry for increased production of safe and quality poultry and piggery products;

→ Standardize farm operations, enhance data collection, and facilitate efficient production, planning, and marketing;

→ Create a digital database to facilitate the formulation of data-based livestock policies and plans;

→ Standardize piggery and poultry farms across the country, ensuring adherence to Good Management Practices (GMP) and minimum animal welfare standards;

→ Establish and maintain an accurate real-time data repository of poultry and piggery farms nationwide, with the goal of developing a dedicated mobile application;

→ Establish a structured traceability system for farm produce during disease outbreaks and other associated circumstances to address food safety concerns;

→ Create a geospatial database system that maps the locations of piggery and poultry farms across the country;

→ Develop a robust national data reporting system and, over time, actively involve farmers in the reporting process to ensure timely and accurate data.

𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐞

→ Farm information: Farm registration process entails furnishing comprehensive details concerning the farm, encompassing location, size, contact information, and related data, which will aid livestock authorities in effectively identifying and monitoring farm operations;

→ Effective and strategic production planning: By registering the farms, farmers gain access to structured framework and technical guidance from Dzongkhags and relevant agencies which facilitates farmers in adopting a staggered production plan, considering various factors such as market demands, resource availability, seasonality and other essential variables;

→ Inventory of piggery and poultry in the country: The inventory of farms in the country will help in disease control and tracking, monitoring farm’s compliance with animal health and welfare standards including proper housing, nutrition and veterinary care.