In Trashigang, artificial insemination services are helping farmers improve cattle breeds and boost milk production. Among those making a difference is Kinley from Yangnyer Gewog, who has been serving as a community technician for several years, bringing the service to farmers’ doorsteps and contributing to the rise of high-yield cattle in the area.
36-year-old Kinley is a community artificial insemination technician in Yangnyer Gewog. He receives at least two to three phone calls each week seeking his help for the artificial insemination of cattle.
Kinley has been providing this service for nearly six years, after completing about 45 days of training in artificial insemination at Lingmithang in 2019.
With his black bag packed with a portable liquid nitrogen container, he rides out to inspect whether the cattle are ready for insemination.
Once he confirms the timing is right, Kinley opens his bag containing a nitrogen container with semen, an artificial insemination gun, and other necessary equipment.
He uses the equipment to inject semen into the cattle to breed them.
“I have provided artificial insemination services to around 800 to 900 cows. Of these, about 750 calves have already been born, while the remaining 150 are at various stages of pregnancy, with some just months or even days away from giving birth.”
Thanks to his services, the Druk Chikthen Nyamlay Tshogdey, a dairy group in his village, Gongthung, stands as the highest milk-producing group in Trashigang.
He charges Nu 500 for group members and Nu 1,000 for non-members for his services.
Yangnyer Gewog currently has two community artificial insemination technicians.
The Regional Livestock Development Centre in Kanglung supports him, providing semen and other artificial insemination equipment.
In a month, Kinley attends an average of 10 to 15 cases, earning around Nu 10,000.
Residents say his service has brought significant benefits to them.
Pema Dukar, Kharza-Leyphu Tshogpa said, “Some cattle do not conceive easily, so he treats them, which has benefited our people. With artificial insemination, our cattle breed has improved, and over time they become purebred. This has also increased milk production here, so we are grateful for his services.”
Tashi Dorji, a resident said, “Raising a bull is challenging as it requires timely feeding, and if neglected, it can become weak, aggressive, and can even pose risks to our lives . I have been using artificial insemination services, and all my cattle are the result of his work. This service has greatly benefited our community.”
Kinley’s artificial insemination service has contributed to an increase in the number of high-breed cattle in the community, leading to higher milk production and greater income for the people.
The group now has around 1,200 high-breed cattle, producing around 1,200 litres of milk daily.
As high-yield cattle multiply, so do the opportunities for better livelihoods and a thriving dairy business in the district.
Sonam Darjay, Trashigang
Edited by Kipchu
