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Rearing Sheep was once a common practice in most villages in Bumthang. They reared sheep mainly to produce wool for weaving textiles. However, with time, sheep rearing is no longer a common practice.
Today, only few farmers in Chumey Mae and Dhur village under Chhoekhor Gewog are rearing sheep. They rear sheep for weaving yathra and woolen mats. However, for others, sheep rearing is no longer an important component of their livestock farming.
Earlier, farmers used to rear sheep to produce wool to weave Mathra Ghos and Kiras. But today, it is no longer used. Instead, wool from India is used for weaving Mathra Ghos and Kiras, which is cheaper.
The other reason, according to some of the villagers, is that it is difficult for the farmers to rear in their farms. “Our children are going to schools and there is no one at home to look after the sheep. Even elderly people cannot look after the sheep. Also, sheep rearing is not so profitable and doesn’t really help us to generate income because it produces only wool,” said Chador Sonam, a resident of Ura.
Aum Yangchen, a farmer in Bumthang said textiles from India are cheaper than sheep’s wool.
Other than Bumthang, sheep rearing practices are also disappearing in Trongsa, Wangduephodrang, Thimphu, Paro and Haa. The National Sheep Breeding Centre at Dungbithang in Bumthang said it is only in Trashigang and Samtse Dzongkhags that sheep is still reared.
“In Trashigang, especially in Merak and Sakteng, they have got traditional dress which is blended with yak wool and sheep wool and the traditional dress is very important for their culture, so they have to have wool for clothing. In Samtse also, sheep is used as meat while conducting religious events and for consumption. So sheep meat is preferred in this Dzongkhag,” said Tshering Wangchuk, Manager, National Sheep Breeding Centre.
According to the survey conducted by the Renewal Natural Resources Research and Development Centre in Bumthang the sheep population in the country was over 32,000, in 1997. However, in 2000, the number of sheep has decreased to over 22,000. The survey also showed that of the four types of sheep, Jakar Breed Sheep is considered unique and genetically different from other local breeds.
Therefore, the RNR research and development centre is working towards conversation of sheep rearing in Bumthang. While the Jakar Breed Sheep may be considered unique but villagers are no more interested to rear sheep.
