DoL

𝟏𝟗 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒: In a modest ceremony, the Director of the Department of Livestock inaugurated the new Native Pig and Turkey Farm in Ramtoktok, Thimphu. The event was attended by officials from the Thimphu Dzongkhag Livestock Sector, the National Nucleus Pig Breeding Centre, and the department’s head office. The farm was established with the fund support from EU-PISRAF.

𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐏𝐢𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐮𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧

Native pig farming, once prevalent in many rural communities in the past and persisting to the present day in few locations, has largely remained at a subsistence level and is at risk of extinction in specific regions. Despite the substantial advantages and potential for the development of native pig breeds, the program to promote these breeds received less emphasis with the increased import and introduction of exotic pig breeds into the country. In comparison to exotic breeds, native pig breeds demonstrate superior adaptability, require less intensive management, possess hardiness, and display resistance to diseases. Notably, a comprehensive on-farm breeding trial conducted in the past by the present management of National Nucleus Pig Breeding Centre indicated that, under optimal management conditions encompassing feeding, housing, and sanitation, the overall performance of indigenous pigs was reasonably comparable to that of exotic breeds.

The Native Farm at Wangchutaba was established in 2012 with two Sapha pigs brought from Gelephu to conserve and increase the Sapha population through breeding. Since then, Wangchutaba farm has actively bred and conserved the native pig breed Sapha. Subsequently, Sapha pigs were sourced from Samthang and Rukha villages of Athang Gewog in Wangdue Phodrang, as well as from Pema Gatshel (Mekuri), Dagana, Tashigang, and Samdrup Jongkhar dzongkhags for cross-breeding with the existing herd stock. The pigs are naturally bred and propagated at the centre, with the piglets distributed in the field.

The primary objectives of the farm are to establish a reliable and high-quality native pig genetic pool to facilitate effective selection and breeding, supporting conservation efforts suited to low-input farming practices. Additionally, the program aims to accelerate and maximize genetic improvement by adopting advanced technologies and software, producing superior breeding stock (piglets) at an affordable price. Furthermore, the program seeks to develop and disseminate breeding and conservation technologies and programs to farmers and private breeders, connecting their unique products to the mainstream market.

Therefore, there is a need to exert substantial effort to safeguard, promote, and sustainably utilize native pig resources by extending adequate policy support. Presently, sporadic conservation initiatives, both in situ and ex situ, are being pursued at farmers’ fields; however, these efforts need reinforcement. The establishment of a functional native pig nucleus farm at Ramtoktok is crucial to address the considerable decline in the native pig population in the country, ensuring a sustainable native pig genetic resources for both development and conservation purposes.

Similarly, turkey birds were first introduced in Bhutan in 2012 as an alternative to poultry farming, aimed at providing employment and generating income. With technical guidance from the Department of Livestock, the Turkey Breeding Farm in Wangchutaba, Thimphu, was established in July 2013, starting with 16 breeders from Thailand. The turkey breeding facilities were later promoted at Relangthang, Gakidling Gewog, Sarpang and maintained by the National Poultry Development Centre. Since then, two breeds of breeder turkey birds, American Bronze (AB) and Beltsville Small White (BSW) were reared and promoted in the field at farmer’s level as an additional breed choice. The additional turkey facility established at Ramtoktok, Thimphu will cater to supply poults to prospective famers in the west and west central Dzongkhags for promotion.

The key objectives of establishing the turkey farms include supplying poults to farmers under promotional programs and other interested famers, producing and selling turkey meat and eggs, replenishing future breeding stock, and promoting production and post-production turkey research.

𝟏𝟑 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒: The Department of Livestock successfully concluded its intensive four-day Greenhouse Gas (GHG) workshop, held from June 9 to June 13, 2024, in Haa. The workshop’s closing ceremony was graced by the Director of the Department of Livestock, who attended to engage directly with participants.

The workshop brought together a diverse group of 36 participants, including representatives from various farms, centers, and dzongkhags. Many of the attendees were recently appointed as Livestock Production Officers, marking this as their first significant professional training since joining the department. During the closing program, participants presented comprehensive reports on the workshop’s activities and findings. The Director participated in interactive sessions, emphasizing the importance of dedication and diligence in fieldwork, and highlighted the rare and valuable opportunity to meet and interact with field staff directly.

Additionally, the Director and participants visited the National Yak Farm, the National Highland Development Centre (NHDC), and the National Research and Development Centre for Riverine and Lake Fisheries. These visits provided insights into the key achievements, progress, and future plans of these institutions, giving the Director a clearer understanding of their current status and future direction.

The GHG workshop underscored the Department of Livestock’s commitment to enhancing GHG reporting and promoting climate-smart livestock farming practices. The knowledge and skills gained from this workshop will empower participants to better estimate, manage, and report GHG emissions, contributing to Bhutan’s national goals of sustainability and carbon neutrality.