The Bhutanese Leading the way.
The Minister of Labor and Human Resources Lyonpo Dorji Wangdi inaugurated an Artificial Insemination (AI) and bio-gas plant at Panbang Dungkhag under Zhemgang dzongkhag during his recent visit.
The Department of Livestock realizing the importance of breeding improved local cattle to advance the dairy breed and enhance the livestock production for self-sufficiency has instituted the AI.
About 90% of farmers depend on the sale of dairy product for their livelihood. The dairy husbandry is therefore one of the key activities in Zhemgang.
The national target to produce 34,000 MT of fresh milk in the next plan period can be achieved only through development of breed improvement through AI and natural services, farmer’s group formation, post harvest technologies and production support.
Though the farmers in Zhemgang are known for bamboo products, the modern touch has enabled them to focus on rearing of high breed cattle through which they mint additional income.
The farmers rear a large population of cattle for milk, butter and cheese as direct benefits, manure for field crops and bio-gas plant for alternative energy and reuse of animal waste.
An additional AI center at Sonamthang, Panbang was proposed to support the program. Extension officials within the area has been trained on AI with support from Rural Livelihood Project (RLP) to build confidence in delivering AI services.
