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Training on Drone Technology for Rangeland Monitoring and Yak Management Launched in Bhutan

The Department of Livestock (DoL), under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, in collaboration with the Emerging Technology Division of the GovTech Agency and with financial support from the European Union through the EU-TAAS project implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization, is conducting a week-long training on drone technology from 23–29 March 2026 in Phobjikha, Wangdue.

The training brings together 21 livestock officials from highland dzongkhags including Haa, Paro, Thimphu, Wangdue, Gasa, Trashigang, and Trashi Yangtse, along with participants from key institutions such as the National Highland Development Centre, National Yak Farm, National Livestock Research Centre, National Development Centre for Animal Nutrition, and Regional Livestock Development Centre.

The program aims to strengthen institutional capacity in the effective and responsible use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for livestock management, rangeland monitoring, and logistical support. It combines theoretical and practical components, covering drone regulations, flight principles, mission planning, aerial data collection, GIS applications, and operational safety. Participants are also engaged in hands-on exercises, including simulation, drone assembly, and real-time field operations.

The training highlights the application of drone technology in tracking yak migration, mapping rangelands, assessing pasture conditions, and supporting veterinary service delivery—enhancing precision and efficiency in managing Bhutan’s highland livestock systems.

Aligned with the designation of 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP) and the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF), led by the Food and Agriculture Organization, the initiative contributes to advancing sustainable livelihoods, climate resilience, and inclusive development in Bhutan’s highland communities.

Livestock Research & Extension Division
Department of Livestock

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𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐬

In alignment with the Competency and Professional Development Framework (CPD) of the Royal Civil Service Commission, Royal Government of Bhutan, the Department of Livestock successfully conducted a Specialized Training on Poultry Breeding, Management, Product Diversification and Standardization for Livestock Supervisors from Dzongkhags with potential poultry development opportunities. The training was organized by the National Poultry Development Centre and its sister farms under the Department of Livestock at Gelephu Mindfulness City from 12-14 February 2026.
The primary objective of the initiative was to strategically enhance the technical proficiency and leadership capabilities of Livestock Supervisors, thereby enabling them to effectively transfer advanced knowledge, modern production technologies, and improved farm management practices directly to farmers at the grassroots level. By strengthening the competence of frontline extension personnel, the Department aims to ensure that innovation, technical advancements, and policy priorities were translated into measurable improvements at the farm level.
The training comprehensively addressed scientific poultry farm management, value chain strengthening, product diversification and standardization, biosecurity protocols, genetics and breeding advancements, integration of emerging technologies, farm economics, structured reporting, and data analysis through the Farm Registration System. Panel discussions on critical national issues affecting the poultry sector further provided a platform for practical reflection, strategic dialogue, and solution oriented engagement.
Through interactive technical sessions and professional exchanges, participating Livestock Supervisors enhanced their capacity to guide farmers on productivity improvement, cost efficiency, disease prevention, quality assurance, and market oriented diversification. The emphasis on data driven planning and structured performance reporting were also emphasized to strengthen accountability, improved monitoring effectiveness, and reinforced results oriented extension services at the field level.
Within the same financial year, and with fund support from the Royal Civil Service Commission, the Department also plans to implement additional specialized trainings for other livestock sectors in focused Dzongkhags, including training on climate smart pig breeding, management and product diversification, as well as training on yak cheese development, with an overall objective of the Department to to build a technically robust, innovative, and farmer responsive livestock sector in the country.

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