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.
Thimphu, Bhutan, 9 December 2024 – The SAARC Development Fund (SDF) celebrated the 40th SAARC Charter Day, commemorating the historic adoption of the SAARC Charter on December 8, 1985. The event, held in Thimphu today, brought together dignitaries, ambassadors, senior government officials, and stakeholders to honour the vision of regional cooperation and unity in South Asia.
As the only SAARC institution headquartered in Thimphu, Bhutan, SDF highlighted its role in advancing the region’s development agenda since its establishment in 2010. Speaking at the event, Bhutan’s Finance Minister and SDF Governing Council Member, Lyonpo Lekey Dorji, underscored the significance of regional collaboration: “SAARC stands as a symbol of resilience and unity, embodying the desire of its member states to work collectively for progress and mutual benefit. Let us embrace the immense potential of our region and reaffirm our commitment to economic connectivity and human capital development.”
During the celebrations, Officer-in-Charge of SDF, Jamal Uddin Ahmed, shared about the SDF’s role in fostering regional development. “With over 90 projects implemented across 15 thematic areas, SDF’s initiatives reflect our unwavering commitment to social progress, economic growth, and poverty alleviation across South Asia. The trust of our partners makes everything we do possible,” he said. “On this 40th SAARC Charter Day, we honour the vision of our founding leaders and look ahead to unlocking the region’s immense potential through resilience, connectivity, and collaboration.”
SDF also announced the launch of three projects under its Social Window, with a total of over USD 9.7 million, aimed at enhancing livelihoods, advancing inclusive early childhood education and sustainable energy solutions.
“These projects are a testament to SDF’s commitment to development in the region,” said the Officer-In-Charge, Jamal Uddin Ahmed.
The project “Livelihood Enhancement of Small-scale Fish Farmers and Nutrition Security of Rural Populations in the SAARC Region through Aquaculture Development” seeks to transform aquaculture practices and bolster nutrition security in six SAARC member states: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. With a budget of USD 3,966,671—comprising USD 3,227,562 from SDF and USD 739,109 as in-kind co-financing—the three-year initiative is led by the ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, India. The implementation is supported by leading government agencies from each participating country, including the Department of Fisheries (Bangladesh), the National Research and Development Centre for Aquaculture under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Bhutan), ICAR-CIFA (India), Maldives Marine Research Institute (Maldives), the Central Fisheries Promotion and Conservation Center (Nepal), and the National Aquaculture Development Authority (Sri Lanka).
The project focuses on three key components: conducting surveys to identify critical aquaculture inputs and technologies, developing infrastructure for aquaculture supply, including advanced feed mills and hatcheries, and fostering knowledge management and capacity building through training programs and technology demonstrations, with a special emphasis on supporting women and small-scale farmers. This regional collaboration aims to uplift livelihoods, advance sustainable aquaculture, and enhance food security for rural communities across South Asia.
The second project “Partnership for Quality Inclusive Early Childhood Development & Basic Education” aims to enhance access to inclusive, high-quality learning environments for children, including children with disabilities, in Bhutan and Nepal. With a total budget of USD 4,788,460 (USD 2,394,230 from SDF and an equal cash contribution from Save the Children), the three-year initiative is led by Save the Children in collaboration with the Department of School Education and Ability Bhutan Society in Bhutan. The project aims to enhance access to inclusive learning environments, build the capacity of caregivers and teachers to promote children’s development and well-being, and encourage collaboration among stakeholders to ensure sustainable support for early childhood development.
The third project “Production of Commercial Biogas from Household Waste” aims to address rising energy needs and promote an energy transition from LPG to biogas for urban cooking in Bhutan. With a total budget of USD 948,616 (USD 448,616 from SDF and USD 500,000 in co-funding), the two-year initiative is spearheaded by the Bhutan Ecological Society in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Climate Change and the Thimphu Municipality Office. The project will establish a biogas plant on the outskirts of Thimphu to process biodegradable waste, producing commercial canned biogas and bio-fertilizers. This initiative supports Bhutan’s efforts to diversify its energy sector while offering technological, environmental, and economic benefits.
