DoL

𝙈𝙚𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙇𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙘𝙠 𝙎𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙤𝙧 𝙤𝙛 𝙋𝙚𝙢𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙩𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙡 𝘿𝙯𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙠𝙝𝙖𝙜

On November 28, the Director and Chiefs met with the Livestock Sector team of Pemagatshel Dzongkhag. The Director commended the team’s remarkable achievements especially in dairy sector and encouraged them to remain motivated and committed to serving the farming community. An overview of the Department’s 13th Five-Year Plan was presented, emphasizing the importance of strong leadership qualities, particularly the 3Ds of Leadership: Direction (setting clear goals), Drive (fostering teamwork and collaboration), and Delivery (ensuring effective and efficient implementation) in order to achieve the results.

Key discussions included critical technical and strategic priorities, including enhancing farm biosecurity measures, maintaining effective communication lines, procuring Jersey cattle to improve the national dairy herd, establishment of Elite Heifer Breeding Schemes in the country, and adopting a One Health Approach to ensure inclusivity in the food production system. Other topics included improving animal nutrition, coordinating food supplies for Gyalsuung, and developing high-quality livestock products to expand market opportunities for farmers.

𝙑𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙉𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙠𝙤𝙧 𝙈𝙞𝙡𝙠 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙐𝙣𝙞𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙎𝙝𝙪𝙢𝙖𝙧 𝙂𝙚𝙬𝙤𝙜

The Director visited the Nangkor Milk Processing Unit in Shumar Gewog, a key facility in the region supporting local dairy farmers and enhancing milk production value chains. Supported by CARLEP (IFAD), the unit comprises two groups: Bartsiri Gonor Chuethuen Detsen, with 5 members (4 women), and the Shumar Dairy Group, with 61 members (42 women). Together, the groups process approximately 7,000 liters of milk per month (320 liters daily) into products such as cheese, butter, and yogurt. Additionally, Bartsiri Gonor Chuethuen Detsen supplies milk to schools and sells liquid milk locally.

The Director commended the strong participation of women, recognizing their significant role in improving livelihoods, fostering entrepreneurship, and advancing the growth of the dairy sector. This reflects the broader empowerment of women in rural development and agricultural value chains.

𝙑𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙈𝙞𝙡𝙠 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙐𝙣𝙞𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙉𝙤𝙧𝙗𝙪𝙜𝙖𝙣𝙜 𝙂𝙚𝙬𝙤𝙜

The Director and team also visited the Milk Processing Unit (MPU) operated by Zambalha Natshog Nyamley Tshogdey (ZNNT) in Norbugang Gewog. Established in 2015 with 32 members, the group has expanded to include 65 active members (30 men and 35 women) from four villages: Rinchenzor, Norbugang, Ningshingborang, and Tahsingzor. During the flush season, the group collectively produces 700-800 liters of fresh milk daily, which is processed into 700-800 balls of cheese and 35-40 kilograms of butter. These products are marketed in Nganglam Town, Phuntsholing, and Thimphu, significantly contributing to rural livelihoods and the local economy.

The MPU has thrived with continuous support from CARLEP (IFAD), enabling it to sustain and grow its operations. The initiative has created stable employment opportunities for local youth, improved household incomes, and empowered rural communities. It has also promoted trust and confidence among group members, driving collective efforts toward shared goals and strengthening community bonds. The Director commended the teams for their dedication and reaffirmed the department’s commitment to providing continued support for sustainable development in the region.

On November 27, while traveling to Pemagatshel, the Director met with the staff of the Regional Livestock Development Centre (RLDC) in Kanglung. During her interaction, she conveyed her deep appreciation for their unwavering dedication and hard work, which have been instrumental in achieving the region’s significant milestones, particularly under the CARLEP support. She also acknowledged their contributions toward meeting the broader objectives of the Department.

The Director highlighted that one of the key factors behind these accomplishments is the effective and transparent communication maintained between the regional centers, farms, Dzongkhags and the Department. This robust communication framework has ensured seamless coordination and alignment of efforts, enabling the successful implementation of strategic initiatives.

Furthermore, she emphasized the importance of promoting three core leadership qualities—Direction, Drive, and Delivery (3Ds)—in providing services to the farming community. She elaborated that strong leadership begins with a clear sense of direction, guiding teams toward shared goals and priorities. This must be coupled with the drive to remain motivated and committed despite challenges. Finally, the ability to ensure delivery through timely and impactful execution of programs is crucial to translating plans into tangible outcomes. The Director encouraged the team to consistently embody these qualities, ensuring that their efforts continue to benefit farmers and contribute to the agricultural sector’s overall growth and sustainability.

The Director and team proceeded to Pemagatshel on the same day.