Bhutan's Dairy Farmers Find New Hope with Community-Run Initiative

Darla's Shift from Cash Crops to Dairy Farming

For years, farmers in Darla gewog, Chukha, Bhutan, heavily relied on cash crops like cardamom and citrus. However, fluctuating prices and unpredictable yields have driven them towards a more stable agricultural pursuit—dairy farming.

A newly established milk processing center is central to this transition, providing local farmers with a stable market for their produce. The community-run Darla Gonor Thoenked Gongphel Detshen plays a vital role, gathering milk from various farmers and directing it to the processing unit, which collects around 1,650 liters of milk daily. This strategic shift is gaining traction, offering farmers a lucrative alternative.

Challenges and Innovations

While the new venture offers promise, it’s not without challenges. The cooperative’s chairman, Bal Kumar Samal, highlights the need for new markets due to limitations from their current buyer. Despite a steady flow of milk even in winter, a lack of machinery and formal training in the processing center limits the range of products they can produce, such as rasgulla and ice cream.

Financial hurdles also remain as farmers tackle high costs of cattle feed, adding financial strain. Even so, the Economic Stimulus Programme is aiding farmers in buying hybrid cows, viewed as a promising investment.

A Community's Vision for the Future

Dairy farmers like Khina Bdr Karki and Hari Ram Chettri demonstrate optimism, noting a spike in interest for high-breed cows. Farmers’ association with the processing center has not only improved their income but also reshaped their way of farming, making dairy a long-term sustaining venture for many in Darla. As the community expands its market horizons, it sets an example of resilience and adaptability in Bhutan’s agriculture landscape.