The Regional Livestock Development Centre in Trashigang’s Kanglung Gewog can now produce enough liquefied nitrogen to store cattle semen. Liquefied nitrogen is crucial for preserving cattle semen for artificial insemination. Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Younten Phuntsho, inaugurated the newly completed liquid nitrogen plant yesterday.
This old liquefied nitrogen plant, which has a capacity of five litres, has been operating for more than a decade, supplying liquefied nitrogen to around 52 gewog extension offices.
However, its low production capacity and frequent breakdowns have led to difficulties in producing enough liquid nitrogen. At times, the centre has to buy liquid nitrogen from private firms, resulting in high expenses.
However, the new facility can produce 15 litres of liquid nitrogen per hour, ensuring a reliable supply to preserve cattle semen.
The process begins by capturing nitrogen gas from the environment using a machine. The captured nitrogen is then compressed and cooled to a temperature below its evaporation point, reaching as low as -196 degrees Celsius.
“We face a supply shortage every three months when we must supply liquid nitrogen to districts. To meet the demand, we have had to buy from Motanga in Samdrup Jongkhar leading to high expenses. With the new plant, I believe we can now supply to all six eastern districts without shortages,” said Sangay Lethro, officiating programme director, RLDC, Kanglung.
He added that the new plant will support the Department of Livestock in implementing the breeding intensification programme, a key part of the 13th Five-Year Plan.
The Commercial Agriculture and Resilient Livelihoods Enhancement Programme funded the liquid nitrogen plant amounting to Nu 20 M.
Sonam Darjay, Trashigang
Edited by Sonam Pem
