Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Royal Government of Bhutan

09/09/2025

𝟖 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓: 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐨𝐠 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲

On his way back from Gelephu, Hon’ble Sanam Lyonpo visited the newly constructed Dog Shelter at Rilangthang, Sarpang. The facility was established to humanely manage unowned free roaming dogs and surrendered pet dogs, providing them with a safe haven in line with the vision of the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC). The shelter currently houses 476 dogs, comprising both unowned free roaming and surrendered pet dogs.

The initiative was undertaken under the Royal Command and guidance of an Advisory Group comprising executives from relevant sectors, supported by a Core Group Members (CGM) from the Department of Livestock and Desuung . This initiative is a partnership between DoL and Desuung. Field activities were implemented by CGM in close collaboration with the Regional Veterinary Hospital and Epidemiology Centre, Gelephu, the Dzongkhag Livestock Sector, Desuung and other relevant organizations.

During the visit, officials briefed Lyonpo on the progress and activities being carried out to make Sarpang Dzongkhag free from free roaming dogs and rabies, as well as to promote responsible pet ownership. Challenges and way forward were also discussed with the officials.

Hon’ble Lyonpo commended the teams for their dedication and tireless efforts, and expressed his gratitude to all who made valuable contributions to the success of the initiative. He assured that the Ministry will continue to support these efforts and directed the teams to inform the Ministry should they require further assistance.

08/09/2025

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐨𝐲𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐆𝐲𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐞𝐦 𝐒𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐦 𝐘𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐜𝐡𝐮𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐨𝐜𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲.

07/09/2025

𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝 “𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨-𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭”𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐇𝐏 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐲 𝐚𝐭 𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐜𝐡𝐮, 𝐂𝐡𝐡𝐮𝐤𝐡𝐚 𝐃𝐳𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐤𝐡𝐚𝐠

7 September 2025: The “Innovation Market”, called in short as “Inno-Market” was launched today at the Chukha Hydropower (CHP) Colony in Wangchu, Chhukha. This is the second Inno-Market, after the one in the GCBS campus was launched around the same time last year and has been going successfully past one year with huge benefit to the farmers, aggregators, students, faculty and households of Gedu.

An Inno-Market is a place for locals to come together and network atleast once or twice in a week and in the process also buy locally sourced fresh farm produce. It is also a place to promote our locally processed agricultural products and to showcase local talents in playing musical instruments, singing or just join to network with one another.

In the coming weeks, various home-made pickles and edibles may also be sold at the venue.
In Wangchu, the Farmers and Aggregators from Chiwogs of Bjabcho Gewog will take part to sell local farm produce every week, sourced from the localities.

The Inno-Market in CHP colony was possible with the collaboration of the CHP management, Chhukha Dzongkhag Administration and Bjabcho Gewog Administration, with the initiative lead by the Regional Agricultural Marketing Division (RAMD) office of DAMC from Phuntsholing and the Regional Office of BCCI, Phuntsholing.

05/09/2025

02/09/2025

𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐝 (𝐁𝐒𝐀𝐅)
(𝘛𝘰𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘚𝘢𝘧𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘉𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘓𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘤𝘬 𝘕𝘶𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯)

2 September 2025: The Department of Livestock (DoL), Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MoAL), today launched the Bhutan Standards for Animal Feeds (BSAF) 2025, an important initiative aimed at strengthening livestock production through safe, high-quality, and nutritionally balanced feeds. This document will serve as a guiding reference for the formulation, regulation, and use of animal feeds in the country, ensuring consistency and improved livestock productivity.

The launch was graced by the Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture and Livestock and attended by the Secretary of MoAL, the Director of DoL, official from the Bhutan Food and Drug Authority (BFDA), and technical staff of the Department of Livestock.

The BSAF sets out comprehensive guidelines for raw material sourcing, feed manufacturing, quality control, storage, and transport. It establishes minimum nutrient requirements for various livestock species and introduces Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for contaminants such as pesticides, mycotoxins, and heavy metals. This ensures that feeds available in the country are both nutritionally adequate and safe for livestock.

Developed under the mandate of the Livestock Act of Bhutan 2001, and aligned with the Livestock Rules and Regulations 2017, the BSAF is designed to serve as a reference for feed manufacturers, importers, regulators, farmers, and testing laboratories. It is also expected to play a vital role in safeguarding food security and improving the productivity of Bhutan’s farming systems.

In his address, the Hon’ble Minister emphasized that ensuring the quality and safety of livestock feeds is crucial to improving animal health, productivity, and ultimately the livelihoods of farming communities,and a significant step forward in enhancing national food security.

30/08/2025

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐧’𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐜𝐤 (𝐌𝐨𝐀𝐋) 𝐦𝐞𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐧’𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐞, 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚

28 Aug 2025: The Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture and Livestock (MoAL) met with the Hon’ble Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India on 28th August 2025. In welcoming the Secretary to Bhutan and the Ministry, Lyonpo expressed deep appreciation for the longstanding cooperation between the two countries and ministries, built on mutual trust and respect. Lyonpo noted that Bhutan has benefitted significantly across various aspects of the agri-food sector, a partnership that will be further strengthened with the signing of the forthcoming Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The Hon’ble Secretary reaffirmed India’s commitment and highlighted additional opportunities for collaboration across the agri-food sector. The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to advance the MoU as a key framework to promote sustainable and resilient agriculture.

28/08/2025

𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐦 𝐨𝐟 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞, 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐜𝐤, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚

27 August 2025: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Technical Cooperation in the field of Agriculture, Livestock and Allied Sectors was signed between the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Royal Government of Bhutan, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India in Thimphu. The signing of the MoU marks a significant milestone in advancing Bhutan–India cooperation and reflects the deep ties of trust, friendship, and shared priorities between the two nations.

During the Joint Technical Working Group (JTWG) meeting held alongside the signing, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration in critical areas such as dairy sector improvement, post-harvest management, food processing, biosecurity, and agricultural trade. Technical sub-committees were agreed upon to accelerate implementation, while institutional linkages with ICAR, NDDB, and FSSAI will enhance research, innovation, and capacity-building opportunities.

The Royal Government of Bhutan acknowledged the Government of India’s vital support under the 13th Five Year Plan, which has been instrumental in enabling transformative interventions in agriculture and livestock. Both delegations emphasized that the MoU will not only boost food security and rural livelihoods but also further strengthen the enduring partnership between Bhutan and India in shaping resilient and sustainable agrifood systems.

26/08/2025

𝟐𝟔 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓: 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐘𝐚𝐫𝐣𝐮𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐀𝐢𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬' 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭

Hon’ble Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, accompanied by officials, visited the Yarjugang OAP Commercial Farm at Hebisa Chiwog, Gasetsho Wom Geog, Wangdue Phodrang Dzongkhag. The project covers 435 acres and is an innovative initiative of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, The PEMA Secretariat, and the Royal Bhutan Police, with technical support and agricultural component funding supported by the Ministry.

The project’s main objectives are to:
i. Decongest Chamgang Prison and meaningful engagement
ii. Provide inmates with opportunities to develop valuable knowledge and skills.
iii. Engage inmates in commercial agriculture farming for reintegration into society.
iv. Sustain and supplement the internal food demand of inmates and RBP institutions.

Since its start in September 2024, the project has achieved remarkable progress in just 10 months. Land development works are ongoing, a 7 km chain-link fence is nearing completion, and designated areas for agriculture, livestock production, and marketing facilities have been earmarked. The team also highlighted key challenges that will require continued government support.

Hon’ble Minister commended the project team for their commendable progress in a short span of time. He emphasized that, in addition to the stated objectives, the Ministry aims to:

1. Build the skills of inmates and prepare them for productive futures;
2. Contribute to the country’s broader food and nutrition security.

During the site visit, Hon’ble Minister noted that this innovative model can serve as an exemplary initiative for Bhutan and beyond—demonstrating how open-air prisoners can contribute to modern commercial farming, while benefitting prisoners, communities, and the nation. He assured the Ministry’s full support, facilitation, and coordination with other agencies to ensure the project’s successful implementation and long-term sustainability.

25/08/2025

𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐲 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐲 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐮𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐟𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚, 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧

25 August 2025: The Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture and Livestock received a courtesy call from the outgoing Deputy Chief of Mission, Sh. Niteen Subhash Yeola, and the incoming Deputy Chief of Mission, Sh. Aniket Mandavgane, of the Embassy of India in Bhutan.

The Hon’ble Minister expressed deep appreciation to Sh. Niteen for his leadership and invaluable support in facilitating the Government of India’s Project Tied Assistance (PTA) to the Ministry. In particular, he highlighted the recent additional allocation of Nu. 800 million to support the National Crop and Livestock Insurance Scheme, a landmark initiative being introduced for the first time in Bhutan, which will bring immense benefits to farmers and directly contribute to the Ministry’s 13th Five Year Plan goals. The Minister conveyed best wishes to Sh. Niteen in his new assignment and looked forward to his continued goodwill towards Bhutan.

The Hon’ble Minister warmly welcomed Sh. Aniket Mandavgane and expressed confidence that under his tenure, the Ministry will further strengthen collaboration and partnership with the Embassy of India in advancing the agricultural and livestock sectors.

22/08/2025

𝗗𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗮 𝗬𝗮𝗸 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗵-𝘀𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗺𝗱𝗲𝗹 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗱𝘀

𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘩𝘶, 𝘈𝘶𝘨𝘶𝘴𝘵 22, 2025: The Livestock Sector of Thimphu Dzongkhag livestock sector initiated the production of two high-value cheeses, Tomme (Lanor Soft Cheese) and Gumdel (Lanor Semi-hard Cheese), in Dagala Gewog. This initiative, designed to uplift the livelihoods of yak herders, is supported by the Bhutan Foundation’s Small Grants Program and implemented in collaboration with the National Highland Development Centre (NHDC) and local herding communities.

Five members of the Dagala Lanor Nyamlay Tshogdey (Yak Cooperative) are actively engaged, supplying yak milk at Nu. 100 per liter. The cooperative has partnered with Lanor Creamery as a private buyer, with the cheese marketed at Nu. 900 per kilogram. On August 15, 2025, the cooperative successfully delivered its first consignment consisting of 216.43 kilograms of cheese, marking a promising beginning for this venture.

The Dagala Yak Cooperative currently comprises 44 households, including 18 male and 26 female members, with a yak herd of 2,944 according to NSB 2025. To ensure quality and expand production, a cold storage facility has been established at Kaja Throm with support from the Department of Agriculture and Marketing Cooperatives (DAMC), MoAL. This facility will play a vital role in proper cheese ripening and storage.

The Department of Livestock (DoL) initiated the production of high-value yak cheese products in 2021 targeting niche markets to enhance incomes for yak herders under cooperatives and the Bhutan Yak Federation. In the year 2022, the European Union–Bhutan Trade Support Project supported the capacity building of the herders and technical staffs in production of Tomme and Gumdel with the technical expertise from a French cheese maker based in Nepal. Following, the research trials was conducted to upscale cheese production in Paro, Haa, and Bumthang using yak milk led by the National Highland Development Centre, Wangdue. The Department rebranded these products as Lanor Soft Cheese (Tomme), Lanor Semi-hard Cheese (Gumdel), and Lanor Noble Fibre (yak fiber) to establish a unique Bhutanese identity. In 2023, His Majesty The King blessed the launch of Tomme, Gumdel, and Caciocavallo cheeses at the 5th Royal Highland Festival at Laya, Gasa. With further support from Japan Supplementary Budget (JSB) –UNDP a small-scale cheese processing and a cheese cellar was established in National Yak Farm, Chonaphu, Haa in 2024.

In parallel, the Department of Livestock, in partnership with ICIMOD, Thimphu Dzongkhag, DoFPS, and NLCS, is spearheading a rangeland restoration program in Dagala to address the shortage of feed and fodder for yaks. This intervention ensures the long-term sustainability of yak farming in Bhutan’s fragile highland ecosystems.

The launch of Tomme and Gumdel cheese represents a milestone in adding value to yak-based products. It creates new income opportunities for highland herders while positioning Bhutanese yak dairy as a distinctive niche in regional and international markets.