Department of Livestock, Royal Government of Bhutan

05/04/2026

𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐘𝐨𝐠𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐭

The National Dairy Development Centre under the Department of Livestock, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, in collaboration with the Bhutan Standards Bureau under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment, is currently conducting a five day consultative workshop from 1-5 April 2026 at Lobesa, Punakha. This workshop is being convened through the sub-committee for Milk and Milk Products with the objective of developing National Standards for Raw Milk, Pasteurized Milk, and Yoghurt.

The consultative process brings together a wide range of key stakeholders, including technical experts and officials from the Department of Livestock, Bhutan Food and Drug Authority, Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority, National Post Harvest Centre, Koufuku International Limited, as well as representatives of dairy farmer groups from Thimphu, Chhukha, Wangdue Phodrang, and Trashigang. This inclusive participation ensures that the standards being developed are practical, scientifically sound, and reflective of ground realities across the dairy value chain.

The primary objective of the workshop is to gather comprehensive inputs from all stakeholders and formulate robust and nationally applicable standards for milk and yoghurt. These standards will serve as a critical foundation for improving the overall quality, safety, and consistency of dairy products in the country. By clearly defining parameters for production, handling, processing, and marketing, the standards will promote hygienic practices across the entire dairy value chain, from farm to consumer.

Importantly, this initiative builds on the progress already made by the Centre, where National Standards for cheese and butter have been developed. The current effort therefore represents a continuation and strengthening of Bhutan’s broader agenda to establish a comprehensive standards framework across all major dairy products.

The development of these standards is strategically aligned with the priorities of the 13th Five Year Plan of the Department of Livestock, which 𝐞𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐤 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲. Under this system, the price that farmers receive will be determined by the quality of milk they produce, rather than solely by the volume supplied. This marks a significant shift towards a more performance driven and quality oriented dairy sector.

The establishment of clear national standards is therefore a prerequisite for the successful implementation of such a pricing mechanism. Without standardized benchmarks for quality parameters such as hygiene, composition, and safety, it would not be possible to ensure fairness, transparency, and consistency in milk grading and pricing. These standards will enable objective assessment of milk quality, thereby ensuring that farmers who invest in better practices receive higher returns.

At the same time, the introduction of standards will directly benefit consumers by ensuring access to safe, hygienic, and high quality milk and milk products. This will strengthen consumer confidence in domestically produced dairy products and contribute to improved public health outcomes.

In the broader context, the development and enforcement of National Standards for milk and yoghurt will play a transformative role in advancing the commercialization of the dairy sector. It will support product diversification, enhance value addition, and reduce dependence on imports by strengthening the competitiveness of locally produced dairy products. Ultimately, this initiative represents a critical step towards building a modern, resilient, and quality driven dairy industry in Bhutan.

𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐑𝐍𝐑 𝐉𝐨𝐛𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭.

𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺: 𝘕𝘋𝘋𝘊, 𝘠𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘨

Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Royal Government of Bhutan
World Bank RNR Jobs Project - Dairy Commodity
National Dairy Development Centre,

29/03/2026

𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞, 𝐆𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐩𝐡𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫

The National Development Centre for Aquaculture (NDCA), Gelephu, successfully conducted two batches of intensive five day training on 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐜 𝐀𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 from 5-9 March 2026 and 16-20 March 2026.

The fisheries sector in Bhutan remains one of the slowest growing sub sectors within the livestock domain. This is primarily attributed to a combination of structural and operational challenges, including limited availability of suitable land and water resources, constraints in feed accessibility, difficulties in fingerling transportation, and notably, gaps in farm level management practices. Recognizing these persistent bottlenecks, NDCA initiated this targeted capacity building program to address the foundational constraints hindering sector growth.

A total of 𝟒𝟐 𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝟏𝟑 𝐠𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐠𝐬 𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐚, 𝐓𝐬𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐭𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐳𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐤𝐡𝐚𝐠𝐬 participated in the training. The program was further strengthened by the participation of 13 extension officials and one representative from BLDCL, Samrang, ensuring strong field level coordination and enhancing the potential for effective dissemination of knowledge and practices at the grassroots level.

The training adopted a highly practical and field oriented approach, focusing on critical technical components essential for improving aquaculture productivity. These included 𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐬 𝐝𝐫𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠; 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭; 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬; 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐝𝐬; 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐬.

A key highlight of the training was the hands on module on 𝐟𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. Participants were guided through the preparation of products such as salted fish and fish cutlets, demonstrating simple, low cost techniques to enhance product value, minimize post harvest losses, and create additional income opportunities at the household level.

In addition, participants were trained in 𝐟𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, basic fish health management, and farm record keeping practices, equipping them with essential skills required for improved farm planning, monitoring, and decision making.

The training concluded with the distribution of certificates, marking a significant step towards strengthening farmer capacity and promoting a more resilient, productive, and market oriented aquaculture sector in Bhutan. The initiative reflects Department’s continued commitment to transforming the fisheries sector through targeted interventions that address both technical and systemic challenges.

Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Royal Government of Bhutan
National Development Centre for Aquaculture

27/03/2026

𝐈𝐧𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐛𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦 𝐚𝐭 𝐍𝐂𝐁𝐂, 𝐁𝐮𝐦𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠

The Department of Livestock, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, successfully inaugurated the Automatic Herringbone Centralized Milking System at the 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞 in Bumthang on 27 March, 2026. The initiative was supported by the FAO Technical Cooperation Programme project titled “Enhancing Livestock Production Efficiency through Digitalization and Precision Farming,” administered by FAO Bhutan. The inauguration was graced by Hon’ble 𝘚𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘮 𝘓𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘱𝘰 and attended by the Hon’ble Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, the FAO Representative for Bhutan and Nepal, Mr. Ken Shimizu, the Dasho Dzongdag of Bumthang, and representatives from FAO and the Ministry.

The installation of the centralized herringbone milking system marks a significant advancement in modernizing the dairy sector in the country. As a state of the art facility, it enables efficient, hygienic, and simultaneous milking of multiple animals, substantially reducing labour requirements and operational time while improving productivity. It directly addresses longstanding challenges such as low efficiency, labour burden, and poor milk quality, and promotes clean milk production and precision based farm management.

The system ensures a standardized and controlled milking environment that enhances milk quality and minimizes contamination risks. It improves herd management through structured handling, reduces animal stress, and supports optimal milk let down. With its potential to integrate with digital recording systems, it further enables performance monitoring, traceability, and data driven decision making, positioning the dairy sector towards a more modern and technology driven future.

Its importance is further heightened by the anticipated introduction of 100% Jersey bloodline cattle at the National Cattle Breeding Centre. These high genetic merit animals require stringent hygiene, efficient management, and accurate performance recording. The centralized milking system provides the essential platform to manage such elite herds effectively, ensuring that their full genetic potential is realized and supporting the Centre’s role in strengthening national dairy breeding and productivity.

Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Royal Government of Bhutan
FAO Bhutan

26/03/2026

𝐂𝐏𝐃 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞-𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐏𝐢𝐠 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐬

The National Piggery Development Center (NiPDC) successfully conducted a three-day training on “𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞-𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐏𝐢𝐠 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐬” from 23-25 March 2026 in Gelephu, as part of the Competency and Professional Development (CPD) programme supported by the Royal Civil Service Commission, Royal Government of Bhutan

This initiative was undertaken to strengthen the technical competencies of livestock officials in alignment with the evolving demands of the livestock sector, particularly in the context of climate change, increasing production costs, and the need for sustainable and market-oriented farming systems. A total of 60 livestock officials from 18 dzongkhags participated in the programme, reflecting a coordinated national effort to build a skilled and responsive extension workforce capable of driving transformation in the piggery sector.

The training was designed to enhance both technical knowledge and practical skills required for promoting climate-resilient, productive, and economically viable pig farming systems. Key thematic areas covered during the programme included climate-smart pig breeding, farrowing and piglet management, housing design and standards, feed optimization, farm-level biosecurity, waste management, and farm economics. In addition, participants were oriented on the application of the Farm Registration System (FRS) as a digital tool for production planning, monitoring, and evidence-based decision making.

A strong emphasis was placed on participatory learning approaches. Participants actively engaged in technical discussions, case studies, and group-based practical exercises, including housing design calculations and cost of production analysis. These sessions enabled participants to critically assess existing farming practices and explore context-specific strategies to enhance efficiency, profitability, and sustainability at the farm level.

The training modules were structured in line with the three core pillars of Climate-Smart Agriculture:

𝟏. 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲: Enhancing breeding efficiency, improving piglet survival rates, and strengthening overall farm profitability through better management practices;

𝟐. 𝐄𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 (𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧): Building the capacity of farmers and extension agents to respond to climate variability, disease risks, and environmental challenges;

𝟑. 𝐑𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 (𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧): Promoting efficient feed utilization, improved manure management, and environmentally sustainable production systems.

The CPD programme, supported by RCSC, indicates the importance of continuous professional development in maintaining a competent and future-ready civil service. By investing in the capacity building of livestock officials, the initiative aims to ensure that extension services remain relevant, technically sound, and responsive to emerging sectoral challenges. Ultimately, such efforts contribute to strengthening the piggery sector as a key driver of rural income, food security, and sustainable agricultural development in Bhutan.

Through this training, participants have enhanced their capacity to apply climate-smart approaches in their respective dzongkhags, thereby supporting improved pig production, increased farm profitability, and long-term sustainability of the livestock sector.

Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Royal Government of Bhutan

23/03/2026

𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐘𝐚𝐤 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧

The Department of Livestock in collaboration with the Emerging Technology Division of the GovTech Agency, and with financial support from the European Union through the EU-TAAS project implemented by the FAO, is conducting a week-long training on drone technology from 23 to 29 March 2026 in Phobjikha, Wangdue.

The training brings together 21 livestock officials from highland dzongkhags, including Haa, Paro, Thimphu, Wangdue, Gasa, Trashigang, and Trashi Yangtse. Participants are also drawn from key institutions such as the National Highland Development Centre, National Yak Farm, National Livestock Research Centre, National Development Centre for Animal Nutrition, and the Regional Livestock Development Centre.

The main objective of the programme is to strengthen the capacity of officials in the effective and responsible use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for livestock management and rangeland monitoring. The training includes both classroom sessions and practical field exercises. Topics covered include drone regulations, basic flight principles, mission planning, aerial data collection, GIS applications, and operational safety. Participants are also engaged in hands-on activities such as simulation exercises, drone assembly, and real-time field operations.

The training demonstrates how drone technology can support highland livestock systems by tracking yak migration, mapping rangelands, assessing pasture conditions, and improving the delivery of veterinary services. This approach is expected to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and decision making in managing remote and challenging environments.

The initiative is also aligned with the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP) and the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF), led by the Food and Agriculture Organization. It contributes to promoting sustainable livelihoods, strengthening climate resilience, and supporting inclusive development in Bhutan’s highland communities.

23/03/2026

17/03/2026

𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐠𝐧𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧

The National Centre for Animal Health (NCAH) is organizing a five day national workshop to review and strengthen Laboratory Quality Management Systems (LQMS) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), with financial support from the Pandemic Fund through FAO Bhutan. This workshop brings together a wide range of participants, from national level institutions to district veterinary laboratories, ensuring representation across all tiers of the animal health system. Each participant contributes practical insights based on their field experiences, challenges, and operational realities.

This initiative is timely and aligns closely with the priorities of the 13th Five Year Plan, which emphasizes strengthening animal health systems, improving disease surveillance, and enhancing diagnostic capacities as key drivers for livestock sector development. By standardizing laboratory practices and improving quality management systems, the workshop directly contributes to building a more reliable, efficient, and responsive animal health service delivery system.

By bringing together perspectives from national, regional, and field level laboratories, the workshop creates a shared platform for learning, collaboration, and mutual understanding. The review of SOPs and LQMS will therefore not only strengthen technical standards but also ensure that these systems are applicable, user friendly, and adaptable to varying capacities and local contexts, thereby improving consistency, accuracy, and confidence in diagnostic results across the country.

Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Royal Government of Bhutan
FAO Bhutan

14/03/2026

𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐂𝐀𝐈𝐓 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐑𝐍𝐑 𝐉𝐨𝐛𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭

The World Bank-supported RNR Jobs Project under the Dairy Component is supporting the Department of Livestock in implementing strategic capacity building initiatives aimed at strengthening cattle breeding services and enhancing rural livelihood opportunities in the country. One of the key interventions under the project is the expansion of 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐀𝐈) 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐬 (𝐂𝐀𝐈𝐓). Artificial insemination is widely recognized as an effective reproductive technology that accelerates genetic improvement in cattle, improves milk productivity, and enhances the economic returns from dairying. Strengthening access to AI services is therefore a critical strategy for improving dairy sector performance and supporting rural income generation. This initiative is also closely aligned with the priorities of Department's 13th Five Year Plan for the livestock sector, which emphasizes improving livestock productivity, strengthening decentralized service delivery, and creating sustainable income opportunities for rural communities.

Currently, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝟏𝟑𝟎 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐃𝐳𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐤𝐡𝐚𝐠𝐬. These centres are managed by livestock supervisors who are responsible for delivering a broad range of services at the gewog level including animal health care, feed and fodder development, climate smart livestock practices, livestock production support, and farmer extension services. While this integrated approach ensures comprehensive livestock support, the wide range of responsibilities often makes it difficult for a single staff to provide uninterrupted and timely artificial insemination services to farmers. In recognition of this operational challenge, the Community Based Artificial Insemination Technician initiative was introduced by the National Dairy Development Centre to complement the existing government service delivery system and strengthen last mile service delivery to farmers.

The CAIT approach focuses on building technical capacity within communities by training interested local individuals to provide basic artificial insemination services within their respective areas. This decentralized model significantly improves accessibility to breeding services, reduces service delivery gaps, and ensures timely response to farmers’ needs. At the same time, it promotes community participation in livestock development while creating new livelihood opportunities for rural youth and farmers who can earn income by providing these services within their communities. By strengthening local human capacity and expanding breeding services, the programme contributes directly to the broader objectives of the 13th Five Year Plan to increase milk production, improve cattle genetics, and enhance the profitability of dairy farming.

As part of the implementation of the RNR Jobs Project, a 28 day CAIT training programme commenced on 9 March 2026 at Bikhar in Samkhar Gewog under Trashigang Dzongkhag. The training is being organized by the National Dairy Development Centre, Yusipang in collaboration with the Regional Livestock Development Centre, Kanglung and the Dzongkhag Livestock Sector of Trashigang. A total of eighteen participants from eastern Dzongkhags are currently attending the programme, including participants from Samdrup Jongkhar, Trashigang, Lhuentse, Mongar and Trashi Yangtse. The training provides both theoretical knowledge and practical hands on skills in bovine artificial insemination, reproductive management, and field level cattle breeding services so that participants can effectively support farmers in their respective communities.

Through this intervention, the World Bank supported RNR Jobs Project is directly contributing to strengthening livestock service delivery systems while simultaneously creating skilled employment opportunities in rural areas. By investing in human capacity and community based service models, the project supports improved cattle genetics, higher dairy productivity, and increased income opportunities for farming households. The initiative therefore complements the broader development agenda of the Department of Livestock under the 13th Five Year Plan by supporting productivity enhancement, strengthening service delivery systems, and promoting sustainable rural employment through the livestock sector.

Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Royal Government of Bhutan

09/03/2026

𝐏𝐕𝐒 𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰-𝐮𝐩 𝐄𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐑𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐏𝐑 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧

The Department of Livestock, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, welcomed the mission team from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) for the Performance of Veterinary Services (PVS) Follow up Evaluation Mission. This mission, which also includes Rabies and Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) specific content, is being conducted in Bhutan from 9 to 20 March 2026.

The PVS Pathway is a globally recognized and voluntary framework that supports countries in strengthening their Veterinary Services through a comprehensive and objective assessment aligned with WOAH international standards. The mission aims to review the progress made since the previous PVS Evaluation Follow up Mission conducted in 2015 and to identify further opportunities to strengthen national Veterinary Services.

On the first day of the mission, the WOAH PVS mission team held discussions with the Director General and officials of the Department of Livestock Headquarters in the morning. The meeting provided an opportunity to introduce the objectives of the mission, discuss the current status of Veterinary Services in the country, and exchange views on key achievements, challenges, and future priorities in the animal health sector. In the afternoon, the mission team met with officials from the Bhutan Food and Drug Authority (BFDA) Headquarters to discuss matters related to food safety, feed safety, regulation of veterinary medicines and vaccines, animal quarantine and border biosecurity, and veterinary public health.

The ongoing mission will assess the national Veterinary Services across a range of critical competencies, including human, physical and financial resources, technical authority and capability, interaction with stakeholders, and access to markets. The findings of the mission will provide valuable recommendations to guide the continued strengthening of Veterinary Services in the country and support national efforts to safeguard animal health, public health, and livelihoods dependent on livestock.

The Department of Livestock expresses its appreciation to WOAH for its continued support and technical collaboration in advancing the quality and effectiveness of Veterinary Services in the country.

Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Royal Government of Bhutan
World Organisation for Animal Health

20/02/2026

𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐢𝐱 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐜𝐤

The Department of Livestock is pleased to welcome six graduates as new recruits to the Professional and Management Category (PMC) as regular employees and will serve in key technical positions across Dzongkhags and Centres.

Among them, four have been appointed as Livestock Production Officers and will be posted to Pemagatshel Dzongkhag, Samtse Dzongkhag, the National Cattle Breeding Centre, Bumthang and the Sturgeon Farm at Targaythang in Punakha. One Laboratory Officer has been posted to the National Centre for Animal Health, and one Veterinary Officer has been appointed to the Wangdue Dzongkhag Veterinary Hospital.

Their appointment marks an important step in strengthening the human resource capacity of the Department. As part of our continued commitment to improving livestock services, the Department is making every effort to address existing human resource gaps in Dzongkhags and Centres to ensure timely, efficient, and quality service delivery to farmers and stakeholders.

We are confident that these young professionals will bring fresh energy, technical expertise, and dedication to the livestock sector. We warmly welcome them to the Department and encourage them to serve with integrity, innovation, and a strong sense of responsibility toward our farming communities and the nation.

Please join us in extending a warm welcome and wishing them success in their professional journey with the Department of Livestock.

Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Royal Government of Bhutan

14/02/2026

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐬

In alignment with the Competency and Professional Development Framework (CPD) of the Royal Civil Service Commission, Royal Government of Bhutan, the Department of Livestock successfully conducted a Specialized Training on Poultry Breeding, Management, Product Diversification and Standardization for Livestock Supervisors from Dzongkhags with potential poultry development opportunities. The training was organized by the National Poultry Development Centre and its sister farms under the Department of Livestock at Gelephu Mindfulness City from 12-14 February 2026.

The primary objective of the initiative was to strategically enhance the technical proficiency and leadership capabilities of Livestock Supervisors, thereby enabling them to effectively transfer advanced knowledge, modern production technologies, and improved farm management practices directly to farmers at the grassroots level. By strengthening the competence of frontline extension personnel, the Department aims to ensure that innovation, technical advancements, and policy priorities were translated into measurable improvements at the farm level.

The training comprehensively addressed scientific poultry farm management, value chain strengthening, product diversification and standardization, biosecurity protocols, genetics and breeding advancements, integration of emerging technologies, farm economics, structured reporting, and data analysis through the Farm Registration System. Panel discussions on critical national issues affecting the poultry sector further provided a platform for practical reflection, strategic dialogue, and solution oriented engagement.

Through interactive technical sessions and professional exchanges, participating Livestock Supervisors enhanced their capacity to guide farmers on productivity improvement, cost efficiency, disease prevention, quality assurance, and market oriented diversification. The emphasis on data driven planning and structured performance reporting were also emphasized to strengthen accountability, improved monitoring effectiveness, and reinforced results oriented extension services at the field level.

Within the same financial year, and with fund support from the Royal Civil Service Commission, the Department also plans to implement additional specialized trainings for other livestock sectors in focused Dzongkhags, including training on climate smart pig breeding, management and product diversification, as well as training on yak cheese development, with an overall objective of the Department to to build a technically robust, innovative, and farmer responsive livestock sector in the country.

Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Royal Government of Bhutan
Royal Civil Service Commission, Royal Government of Bhutan