India Transfers 43 Jersey Cows to Bhutan’s Dairy Programme
India provided Bhutan with 43 pureline Jersey cows as part of bilateral cooperation in agriculture and rural development. The cattle were handed over by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at the National Cattle Breeding Centre in Bumthang on September 16.
The animals will be used in Bhutan’s dairy breeding programme. Jaishankar said the high-yielding cattle were intended to improve milk productivity and support farmers. The breeding centre’s programme is expected to reach about 40,000 farmers, according to the minister.
Breeding programme
Jersey cattle are used in dairy production for their milk-producing characteristics and their ability to adapt to different production systems. Bhutan’s introduction of pureline Jersey stock adds breeding material to the country’s dairy programme and is intended to support genetic improvement.
The programme’s reach is planned to extend beyond the National Cattle Breeding Centre through wider access to improved cattle genetics. Its implementation involves breeding services, feed, animal-health support, farm management and suitable local conditions, all of which affect the performance of dairy herds.
The initiative is expected to support Bhutanese farmers by making improved breeding resources available to a larger rural community. The programme’s stated beneficiaries include approximately 40,000 farmers, while its objectives include stronger dairy production and higher milk productivity.
Wider bilateral cooperation
The handover took place during Jaishankar’s official visit to Bhutan on September 16–17. He travelled at the invitation of Bhutan’s Foreign Minister and External Trade Minister, Lyonpo DN Dhungyel.
During the visit, Jaishankar and Dhungyel reviewed cooperation in development, energy, trade, connectivity, culture and people-to-people relations. They also took part in events concerning infrastructure, energy and healthcare in Bhutan. The cattle-breeding project forms part of this broader bilateral cooperation.
