𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐑𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐤 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

…𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒄𝒌 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒕𝒔 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒅𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒆𝒄𝒉𝒏𝒊𝒒𝒖𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒑𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒏𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒊𝒓𝒚 𝒇𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒐𝒎𝒚

By Kezang Choden

In a significant effort to promote large-scale livestock farming and enhance economic opportunities for local farmers, the Trashigang Dzongkhag Livestock Sector recently organized a Cattle Rally Program in Bikhar and Samkhar Gewog. The event, which celebrated excellence in dairy breeding, brought together farmers, livestock experts, and agricultural stakeholders to discuss and promote improved breeding practices and sustainable dairy farming techniques.

Funded by the Commercial Agriculture and Resilient Livelihoods Enhancement Program (CARLEP), the Cattle Rally was designed to recognize the dedication of local farmers while reaffirming the dzongkhag’s commitment to strengthening the local dairy sector. The program focused on introducing advanced breeding techniques and best practices in livestock management to increase milk production and improve overall livestock productivity in Trashigang Dzongkhag.

During the event, experts provided farmers with valuable insights into advanced breeding methods, animal health management, and fodder cultivation, all aimed at improving milk yield and quality. Additionally, farmers were informed about financial assistance programs and support schemes available to help expand their livestock enterprises. The rally also served as a platform for farmers to share their experiences, challenges, and success stories, fostering a sense of collaboration and motivation within the community.

“The main objective of the program is to inspire farmers to maximize their livestock’s productivity by improving dairy breeds and ensuring proper cattle management,” said Naina S. Tamang, the Principal Dzongkhag Livestock Officer of Trashigang Dzongkhag. Tamang noted that the program, which was introduced last year, focuses on upgrading cattle sheds to create better living conditions for dairy cows while also providing farmers with training on proper feeding techniques to maintain the animals’ health. “By guiding farmers on the best feeding practices, we aim to improve the overall health of their cattle, which directly impacts milk production,” he added.

This year, 59 farmers from various gewogs participated in the program, demonstrating their keen interest in learning modern livestock management techniques. To further motivate the farmers, the organizers introduced a ranking system where prizes were awarded to those who supplied the highest volumes of milk, creating a sense of healthy competition among dairy producers. This ranking system not only encouraged farmers to increase their productivity but also promoted collaboration between milk suppliers and buyers, aiming to reduce the reliance on imported milk from other dzongkhags.

By strengthening local dairy production, the initiative hopes to boost Trashigang’s economy and make the region more self-sufficient in dairy products. “Our goal is to reduce the dependency on imported milk and promote local dairy production, which will benefit both the economy and the livelihoods of farmers,” said Tamang.

Samkhar Gewog, which has a growing livestock sector, continues to implement structured approaches to improving cattle breeding and production. Pema Mashok, the Livestock Extension Officer of Samkhar Gewog, emphasized that the program not only provided essential veterinary services but also laid the foundation for long-term improvements in cattle breeding. “This initiative was carried out in close consultation with both the gewog and dzongkhag administrations, ensuring a collaborative effort to enhance livestock development,” Mashok said.

Mashok stressed the importance of organized breeding programs and how they could drive future success if replicated in other gewogs. “By introducing structured breeding programs and offering targeted support to farmers, we can make significant improvements in cattle productivity,” he explained. The rally also served as an opportunity to address existing challenges in livestock management, with experts offering guidance on sustainable breeding techniques and efficient resource utilization.

The growing recognition of organized breeding programs as a vital tool for rural development has had a positive impact on local farmers. According to Mashok, many farmers in Samkhar Gewog are actively engaged in livestock farming, which has become a major source of income for them. Through their efforts in dairy production, these farmers are not only improving their livelihoods but also contributing to reducing the reliance on imported dairy products.

“As we focus more on local dairy farming, our aim is to achieve self-sufficiency and promote the consumption of fresh, homegrown dairy products within our communities,” Mashok added. Looking ahead, he highlighted the importance of forward planning and strategic implementation to achieve tangible outcomes, including strengthening farmer awareness, ensuring accessibility to quality breeding inputs, and expanding veterinary services.

The efforts in Samkhar Gewog are already showing positive results. Tenzin Wangdi, a resident of Kharshong village under Samkhar Gewog, shared his appreciation for the recent livestock training program, noting that it had provided him with valuable insights into proper animal care and feeding techniques to enhance milk production. “The training emphasized the importance of balanced nutrition and improved management practices, which I believe will significantly boost dairy yield,” Wangdi said.

In addition to increasing milk production, Wangdi pointed out that cattle farming plays a crucial role in sustainable agriculture. “Cattle contribute to organic manure for farming, which reduces the reliance on chemical fertilizers. Livestock farming not only supports household income but also helps maintain soil fertility,” he said. Encouraged by the knowledge gained from the program, Wangdi plans to expand his livestock farm, which currently consists of four cows, and increase his herd size in the near future.

Similarly, Wangmo, a dairy farmer from Bazor Chiwog under Samkhar Gewog, expressed her determination to grow her cattle-rearing business after gaining valuable insights from the livestock training program. Wangmo currently owns four milking cows and has already seen significant benefits from the program, particularly in the area of cattle management and crossbreeding techniques to improve milk production. “Improved breeding techniques are essential for increasing milk yield, which is vital for sustaining my dairy farming activities,” Wangmo explained.

She is now focused on seeking further technical and advisory support from the gewog’s livestock sector to ensure greater productivity and efficiency on her farm. Wangmo hopes that by expanding her herd and investing in better cattle management practices, she will be able to boost her milk production and, ultimately, her income. “Dairy farming presents a promising economic opportunity, and I am committed to making the most of the resources and knowledge available to me,” she said.

The success of the Cattle Rally Program in Trashigang is a promising step toward the region’s economic development and the sustainability of local dairy farming. With ongoing efforts to educate farmers and provide them with the tools to expand and improve their livestock enterprises, Trashigang Dzongkhag is hopeful that this initiative will contribute to greater self-sufficiency in dairy production and improved livelihoods for local farmers.