Her Majesty the Queen Mother Tseyring Pem Wangchuck graced the launch of the Dagala Highland Yak Dairy and Livelihood Initiative in Thimphu, which aims to improve dairy production and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for highland communities.
A six-million-ngultrum solar-powered milk processing facility will be constructed in Dagala. Solar power is essential for the community, which is not connected to the national electricity grid.
According to Norbu Dema, Country Director of Bhutan Foundation, the initiative began as a pilot project in 2023. In 2024, the project explored ways to improve livelihoods in the Dagala range by moving away from traditional milk processing methods, which are time-consuming and burdensome for the community.
“We trained the herders to produce two types of French cheese, and the results were immediate. Community members were excited, and they doubled their income even during the pilot phase,” said Norbu Dema.
Ugyen Dendup, Proprietor of Lanor Creamery, said the cheese is brought to the factory for further processing and ageing, which can take from three months to a year. The products are then marketed through high-end hotels and local retail shops.
“The response has been very good. We hope to expand production, ensure a consistent supply and create more opportunities for Dagala’s herders,” said Ugyen Dendup.
Her Majesty the Queen Mother also graced the opening of the Community Weaving Centre, which will develop products using yak fibre and invasive plants.
Tshering Choden, Senior Programme Officer at the Youth Development Fund, said the initiative will provide additional income opportunities for yak herders while helping preserve the culture and traditions of highland communities.
“As a civil society organisation, the Youth Development Fund aims to empower Bhutan’s younger generation. We hope the youth and future generations of Dagala Gewog will continue to thrive in their communities while preserving the unique culture and traditions of the highlands,” said Tshering Choden.
Gado, Dagala Gup, Thimphu, said Bhutan Foundation, the Youth Development Fund, the Forest Department and ICIMOD have supported the initiatives. The gewog will also help provide infrastructure, support the procurement of equipment and maintain the facilities, including water and electricity supply.
Dagala has about 40 yak-herding households, with around 3,000 yaks across Wangdrog, Dungdrog and Gaytala. The initiatives aim to strengthen local livelihoods while preserving traditional skills and heritage.
Karma Wangdi
Edited by Passang
