𝐁𝐋𝐃𝐂𝐋 𝐔𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐢𝐥𝐬 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐀𝐠𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲

…𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒎 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒔 𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒏𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏𝒇𝒓𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝑫𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒏𝒂’𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒄𝒌 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒓𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒐𝒎𝒚

By Kezang Choden

In a major initiative to address longstanding market challenges for livestock farmers in Dagana Dzongkhag, the Bhutan Livestock Development Corporation Limited (BLDCL) has officially launched the Livestock Priority Products Aggregation Program at Dagapela. The program is designed to strengthen the domestic livestock supply chain while providing better income opportunities and enhancing self-sufficiency. It also marks a vital step toward achieving national self-sufficiency in livestock production.

During the launch event, BLDCL began the direct collection of livestock products from local cooperatives and individual farmers. On the inaugural day, the corporation procured 2.127 metric tonnes of pork from the Daga Cooperative and disbursed Nu 1.27 million to the cooperative’s chairperson. A formal agreement was signed between BLDCL and the cooperative to purchase its livestock products for a full year. This contract offers a significant level of market assurance for cooperative members who have historically struggled with fluctuating prices and inconsistent buyers.

The program targets priority livestock products such as pork, chicken, and fish. By aggregating these products at the local level, it is expected to stabilize prices and provide a dependable market for producers. The initiative is particularly important for farmers who have long encountered difficulties finding consistent markets, which has often led to financial instability and demotivation. In addition to improved market access, the program has introduced cold storage facilities and a blast freezer for livestock products. These facilities are expected to reduce post-production losses and maintain the quality of meat products during transportation and distribution, thereby upholding consumer trust in locally produced meat.

Aligning with the national goals of food self-sufficiency and rural economic development, the program focuses on localized procurement and enhanced infrastructure. As it gains momentum, the initiative is anticipated to improve the rural economy of Dagana while providing a sustainable livelihood option for many households.

Pema Wangchuk, Dzongkhag Livestock Officer of Dagana, confirmed the official launch of the livestock product aggregation initiative in the region. He explained that the collaborative effort between BLDCL, the Dzongkhag Livestock Sector, and both members and non-members of the Daga Cooperatives is aimed at fortifying the livestock farming sector. “This strategic move is expected to encourage more farmers to take up livestock farming or expand their existing operations. With improved access to markets, farmers will be more motivated to invest in piggery, poultry, and fishery ventures,” he said.

Wangchuk added that the aggregation model will improve the quality and consistency of livestock products entering the market, benefiting producers and consumers alike. Moreover, the initiative is anticipated to generate new income opportunities for rural households and build confidence among farmers. The collaboration between BLDCL, the Dzongkhag Livestock Sector, and cooperative groups reflects a shared commitment to enhancing food self-sufficiency and supporting rural livelihoods. Through programs like this, the government aims to establish livestock farming as a viable economic activity and ensure that farmers receive fair returns for their efforts.

The Daga Cooperatives, which currently count 112 registered members, are expected to grow as more farmers recognize the benefits of coordinated supply and assured market linkages. The aggregation model goes beyond merely collecting produce; it is designed to motivate farmers by providing a guaranteed market for their efforts. With the promise of a reliable and consistent market, farmers are encouraged to improve both the quality and quantity of their produce. This approach reduces the risk of unsold products and allows farmers to invest with greater confidence, benefiting from fair pricing and timely payments.

The Daga Cooperative is making significant strides in promoting livestock farming. According to Ugyen Sonam, the Chairperson of the Cooperative, residents are working together with dedication to boost livestock production and support one another. He explained that the cooperative gives equal priority to livestock farmers in all eleven gewogs of Dagana Dzongkhag. “In the past, farmers had to rely on vendors who often determined the prices of their products. But now, with support from the BLDCL, the Dzongkhag, and the cooperative, farmers are receiving better prices for their livestock products,” Sonam said. He noted that such initiatives are motivating residents to work harder and remain engaged in livestock farming as a sustainable livelihood. With growing support and increased cooperation among farmers, the community is optimistic about the future of livestock farming in Dagana.

Since March 31, 2025, Dagana Dzongkhag has supplied a total of 8,435.70 kilograms of pork to BLDCL, generating a payout of Nu 3,838,617 to local farmers.

San Bir Tamang, a prominent piggery farmer in Gozhi Gewog, has led a group of 46 members in livestock farming for the past eight years. Reflecting on their journey, he recalled significant challenges in finding reliable markets. “Back then, it was difficult to sustain ourselves through piggery farming alone. We had the skills and willingness to work hard, but without proper market access, our efforts were not yielding the desired income,” he said. Today, however, the scenario has improved markedly.

“We are now very happy with the developments. The initiative has helped us become more self-reliant and confident in our farming activities,” Tamang added. His group, currently raising over 100 pigs including piglets, plans to expand their operations by increasing the number of pigs, improving infrastructure, and exploring value-added pork products to enhance profitability. Their progress illustrates the potential of community-driven livestock farming in improving rural livelihoods and ensuring food security. The cold storage facility is primarily funded by the Department of Agricultural Marketing and Cooperatives (DAMC), while the blast freezer has been supported through the Japanese Supplementary Budget (JSB) and the UNDP.

Mugtar Singh Gurung, a poultry farmer from Kana Gewog, is similarly optimistic about the future of his business as market conditions continue to improve. Managing a poultry farm with 500 hens, he is planning to expand his operations in the coming months. In the past, Gurung faced challenges due to unreliable market conditions that forced farmers to depend on middlemen and vendors offering low prices. “Earlier, we struggled a lot because there was no proper market. We had to sell through vendors who paid us less, and we had no control over pricing,” he said. Gurung added that poultry farmers in the area are now confident and prepared to supply eggs and meat according to orders received. “We are prepared to supply poultry products anytime based on requirements. This gives us hope for a more sustainable and profitable business,” he noted.

The Livestock Priority Products Aggregation Program was officially launched at Dagapela in Dagana Dzongkhag on April 7, 2025, by BLDCL. The launch event was attended by Karma Tshering, Chairperson of BLDCL, Namasha Kesaria, Third Secretary at the Indian Embassy, the Director of DAMC, Dagana Dzongdag, Thrizin, Gups, Mangmis, and members of the public. The program aims to strengthen the livestock sector through improved collection, marketing, and distribution of high-priority livestock products, ultimately enhancing income opportunities for farmers and contributing to national food self-sufficiency.