Livestock extension officials from Zhemgang and Sarpang are being trained to perform artificial insemination in cattle. The two-week training, funded by the Rural Livelihood Project, is being held at the Rural Development Training Centre in Zhemgang.
One of the Livestock officials, Karma Tshomo, said they did not get much opportunity to learn the practical part while in college. “This training is useful.”
The training of livestock extension officials on artificial insemination is aimed at enhancing dairy breed and production in the rural pockets of the two dzongkhags.
“The aim is improve dairy breed and production to help enhance farmer’s income. These young livestock officials are graduates of college of Natural Resources. They have the theoretical knowledge but lack practical experience,” Ugyen Nedup, the Dzongkhag Livestock officer.
Livestock officials say implementation of artificial insemination has greatly helped in enhancing dairy farming in Zhemgang. Almost all farmers in the dzongkhag are into dairy farming.
“Improving dairy breed through artificial insemination is better,” said Dr.Lham Dorji. He said artificial insemination is also less expensive.
The Rural Development Training Centre in the Dzongkhag sees five to ten cattle every week being brought for artificial insemination.
