After being unused for more than five years, the Milk Processing Unit (MPU) in Patshaling Gewog in Tsirang is finally put to use. It was left idle because of lack of power supply. After about a month from now, the locals in the group will manage the unit.
It was built at a cost of Nu. 1.4 million, with support from the European Union Project. But there was no power supply back then to run these machines.
“When other gewogs were connected with power supply, my gewog did not receive the connection. So through dzongkhag administration, we submitted an application to Bhutan Power Corporation saying that we are not able to use the facility without power supply. We requested them to supply power just for the unit leaving aside the villages.
Since they have their own plans, the idea was not supported. It was only by the end of 10th FYP that my gewog received the power supply,” said Changa Tshering, the Gup, of Patshaling Gewog.
The Geowg was connected to electricity grid last year and the Patshaling Gonor Gongphel Tshogpa, formed in 2008 is excited to get the things going. They members are being trained to handle the facility.
“Until today, we have been storing milk in our homes for days since we did not have any expertise. There was no hygiene. Now we learned so many things,” said Pema Wangdi, a member of the Tshogpa.
Another group member, Lhamo Sherpa, shares; “It will be very beneficial since we are not able to sell any dairy products on our own. It will be better with a group. If we sell ourselves, we have to travel to Damphu. And after paying for transportation, the profit is minimal.”
The government will also help them buy high breed cows by bearing thirty percent of the cost.
