For farmers, enterprises such as milk processing units have not only become a primary source of income, but also empower them. Like elsewhere, Tokari Gonor Detshen at Tokari in Nanong Gewog of Pema Gatshel is also a proud enterprise today. Just about a year old, the group is already a successful venture.
After almost a decade, the one-unit structure is back to life. Formed in 2011, it came to a sudden halt until last year. The Commercial Agriculture and Resilient Livelihoods Enhancement Programme (CARLEP), under the agriculture and forests ministry, provided technical support. With an increasing demand for dairy products by the day, the group is already planning to expand.
A member of the group, Norbu, said that the unit benefits them a lot as it provides an avenue to sell their milk. Members said the benefits are even beyond their monthly income.
“We are able to save a little from whatever we earn. Not only that, but the group also gives us loans and it helps us meet our children’s education expenses,” said another member, Tshering Wangdi.
The unit collects about 100 litres of milk every day and produces about 10 kilograms of butter and 15 kilograms of cheese. However, the unit is not able to meet the demand.
However, to increase the production, most of the members are already planning to rear cows if better bred.
Today, the group has managed to save about Nu 300, 000 in their account. Besides, a member earns a minimum of Nu 5,000 every month. The unit has 30 members.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Chayku
