The Agriculture and Livestock Ministry targets to achieve at least 50 per cent self-sufficiency in chicken and pork by the end of the current Five-Year Plan. Agriculture and Livestock Minister Younten Phuntsho highlighted the ministry’s plans to achieve this target during the Meet the Press session. According to the ministry’s 13th Five-Year Plan report, the country imported Nu 3.8bn worth of livestock products in 2022 which led to an increase in the trade deficit.
To achieve the 50 per cent self-sufficiency target in chicken production, the ministry will be establishing three large-scale broiler farms in Tsirang, Samdrup Jongkhar, and Samtse.
Each farm with a capacity to raise 10,000 birds is expected to produce 270 metric tonnes of chicken annually.
Younten Phuntsho, Agriculture and Livestock Minister said “by the end of the 13th Five-Year Plan, we are aiming to enhance chicken production and achieve up to 50 per cent self-sufficiency. This translates around 1165 metric tonnes of chicken.”
Additionally, modern, clean chicken processing plants will be built in Samtse and Dagana. These plants will help with efficient processing and distribution, improving the overall chicken supply chain.
Similarly, the ministry plans to increase the country’s pork self-sufficiency to 60 per cent. Currently, Bhutan is 50 per cent self-sufficient in pork production.
Agriculture and Livestock Minister said “the risk in piggery is the African Swine Fever. It’s the deadly disease for the pig. The government intends to create a biosecurity for that.”
If everything goes as planned, the country will also become 15 per cent self-sufficient in fish production by the end of the 13th Five-Year Plan. As of now, Bhutan is 2.5 per cent self-sufficient in fish production.
The ministry’s 13th Five-Year Plan report highlights that the country imported more than 6500 metric tonnes of meat items in 2022 with domestic production at around 2200 metric tonnes.
Livestock farming such as piggery, poultry, and fish farming decreased over the years as spiritual traditions advocate for a reduction in meat consumption and the slaughter of animals.
Dechen Choden
Edited by Phub Gyem
