Category: Uncategorized

The Department of Livestock (DoL), with generous funding support from the Bhutan Foundation, successfully conducted a two-day program from 14th to 15th January 2025 at the National Yak Farm (NYF) in Haa. The initiative focused on setting up newly procured felting and spinning equipment under the Bhutan Foundation-funded project titled “Improving the Quality of Yak Hair Products for Enhanced Income Generation of Highland Communities.”

The program was attended by 12 participants from the National Highland Development Center (NHDC), National Yak Farm, and the DoL Headquarters. It was facilitated by Farm Manager of the National Sheep Farm (NSF) in Bumthang.

During the two-day event, participants received practical training and hands-on experience in wool spinning and felting. Step-by-step demonstrations of yak and sheep wool felting techniques were conducted to ensure the equipment was fully operational and the participants were proficient in its use. The program also established a strong foundation for the sustainable utilization of these machines, enabling the efficient processing of yak and sheep wool to support the income generation efforts of highland communities.

This initiative aligns with the 13th Five Year Plan (FYP) goal of achieving high-value textile products from yak and sheep wool. Moving forward, the Department of Livestock aims to brand these products and work towards their certification as Geographical Indication (GI) products, positioning them as premium offerings in the market.

The Department of Livestock remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting highland communities. Through collaborative efforts with donor agencies, such as the Bhutan Foundation, the DoL aims to enhance the value of yak and sheep wool products, creating sustainable income opportunities and improving the livelihoods of highland communities.

For further details, please contact:
Department of Livestock

12.12.2024, Haa: Bhutan’s highlands are home to approximately 29,699 Yaks  (NSB, 2023), and the untapped potential of their wool represents an opportunity for significant economic growth. An estimated USD 35 490 (BTN 2,912,491) could be generated annually from yak fiber if just 50 percent of yaks are harvested for wool. However, the highland communities have struggled with challenges such as insufficient market knowledge, poor yak hair harvesting methods, and inadequate hands on training, leading to a decrease in interest among herders. These issues have also put Bhutan’s rich and unique highland culture at risk.

The Department of Livestock, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Bhutan has  an ongoing project titled “Technical Support for Product Diversification of Yak Wool Fiber to Improve Livestock Income and Livelihoods of Highland Communities.” This project aims to establish a sustainable yak wool value chain in Bhutan, providing technical support to enhance yak production and improve the income of smallholder yak farmers.

As part of the project, a Training of Trainers (ToT) program on wool processing and product development is  going on from 11th and 12th of December 2024 in Haa  with the aim to revitalize the yak wool enterprise in the country. A total of 46 participants, including 17 yak herders and 19 technical staff from 10 highland dzongkhags are attending the ToT program. The training was facilitated by Mrs. Batchimeg Ganbaatar, a yak wool expert from the Mongolian University of Science and Technology, bringing international expertise to enhance local capacities.

To support this initiative, advanced yak wool processing equipment—including carding, dehairing, washing, spinning, and drying machines—has been procured and installed at the National Yak Farm.

This initiative is a significant step toward diversifying the income streams of Bhutan’s highland communities while preserving their traditional livelihoods and ensuring the sustainable use of yak resources. With the combined effort of government officials, experts, and local herders, this initiative is set to unlock a new wave of economic opportunity for the 897 yak-owning households across Bhutan’s highlands.

This will eventually provide alternative sources of income for the mountain communities, reliant on traditional income sources such as cordyceps, while building long-term economic stability for future generations.

DoL, MoAL