Dairy products such as butter and cheese are an important source of income for the farmers of dairy groups in Pema Gatshel. Today the members of the Woongchhillo Milk Processing Unit in the district want to raise more numbers of high breed cattle. And it demands a bigger space in the processing unit.
The existing unit is filled with processing equipment. Without enough space, the unit has to serve multiple purposes.
“The milk production was limited in the past and the unit was spacious enough. But now, the members started raising more cattle which has led to increase in milk production. So the single unit is not enough to process cheese and butter, as counter and as collection centre,” the dairy group’s chairperson, Sonam Dorji, said.
He added that with the onset of the monsoon, maintaining the hygiene of the unit is another concern.
“In winter, we collect around 300 to 400 litres of milk. But it will increase hereafter as the summer season has already begun. We would collect a minimum of 600 litres soon. So, that’s why we are saying, it is very inconvenient in the current unit. There will be more problems as the quantity of milk increase later.”
Currently, the group has decided to construct a shed as a temporary measure to relocate the processing unit. They have approached relevant agencies for support. A solution is soon coming for the dairy group.
Talking to the BBS, the Nanong Gup, Sonam Jamtsho, said the gewog administration is already looking at allocating some budget to construct an additional structure for the dairy group in the next financial year.
“We have enough budget for the 2021-2022 financial year. We will construct a structure where we are planning to have sales counter with an office for the executive members. We are waiting for the government’s approval.”
The current unit is constructed with fund support from Commercial Agriculture and Resilient Livelihood Enhancement Programme (CARLEP) last year.
Woongchhillo dairy group has more than 60 members. They supply over 400 litres of milk every day.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
