In Tsirang, the district will have a new cold storage facility operational by the end of this month. Upon completion, the facility will be utilised for storing pork. The storage facility is expected to benefit piggery farmers in the district, ensuring a steady supply of pork for customers.
The facility is being constructed in Gosarling Gewog’s Pelrithang Chiwog, with over 90 per cent of the work completed thus far.
Once finished, it will have both a blast freezer and a cold storage unit, with capacities of two metric tonnes and 10 metric tonnes respectively.
Its primary purpose will be to store pork during periods of excess production by piggery farmers and when market demand is low. However, the district’s deputy chief livestock officer said that the facility will be available to store chicken if necessary.
The decision to prioritise this facility was made after livestock farmers in the district proposed its construction.
Piggery farmers in the district are pleased with the upcoming facility, recognising its potential to save them both cost and time.
“It has been almost three years since we submitted a proposal for a cold storage facility. We are pleased that the construction, which began last year, is finally nearing completion. The amount of feed consumed by adult pigs, approximately 150 kilogrammes per month, is a significant loss for us,” said Janga Bdr. Subba, a piggery farmer of Gosarling Gewog.
“If we continue feeding the pigs without a means of storing the meat, it will result in losses for us. Similarly, for broilers, if we cannot sell them between 45 and 50 days and continue feeding them, it will lead to losses and ultimately no profit. The cold storage facility will greatly benefit us in mitigating these losses,” said San Man Subba, another piggery farmer.
“During the summer, our products are prone to spoiling easily. Therefore, if we can store them in cold storage for a few days before taking them to the market, it will greatly assist us. We requested this facility to ensure that our products maintain their quality and freshness,” added Janga Bdr. Subba.
The facility is being constructed at a cost of Nu 6.5 M. It is a JSB-UNDP funded project. Currently, the district has over 130 piggery farms.
Last year, Tsirang produced almost 500 metric tonnes of pork.
Pema Tshewang, Tsirang
Edited by Sherub Dorji
