Bhutan has some 10 breeds of native chicken but they are all on the verge of extinction. Baepam village in Trashigang is the only place in Trashigang where farmers raise native chicken.
65-year-old Kinzang Tshering started the Baepam Conservation Group along with his neighbours. The group today has 32 members.
“The income is good and the future looks promising as well. We face some challenges with the feed though,” Kinzang Tshering said.
“Egg production depends how well they are fed. If we feed them well, they lay eggs regularly. Normally, production declines in winter.”
The birds vary in colour and size. The seven varieties of chicken found in Baepam are the naked neck, Belochem, Yubja Kaap, Yubja Naap, Kauray, Sein and Barred.
The eggs from imported breeds are bigger but farmers in Baepam choose to farm the local species.
“Our parents have been farming Yuebja, a practice that we are continuing to conserve the native species,” Yeshi Tshewang, another farmer, said.
With more hybrid breeds coming in, it is feared the native breeds might go extinct.
“The native breeds are resistant to diseases, so they are easy to take care of,” Norbu Wangchuk, an Extension Supervisor with RNR-EC in Udzorong, said.
“There are about 10 breeds of native chicken in our country. With new breeds coming in, the native ones are under threat. It is likely they will become extinct in the near future,” Norbu Wangchuk added.
The Baepam Conservation Group also has a sales counter where the villagers can sell their eggs. A tray is sold for Nu 300.
As business grows, the group plans to further expand it.
