The dairy farmers’ group in Woongchilloo village in Nanong Gewog, Pema Gatshel celebrated the inauguration of a fully equipped milk-processing unit (MPU) in the village last week.
The three-month-old Terdag Phuensum Dairy Group with 66 members is looking forward to expanding their dairy business with the establishment of the MPU.
The MPU was set up with support from the Dzongkhag Livestock sector. The sector also assisted the farmers in forming the dairy group and provided all the basic equipment to the group members.
The group collects close to 300 litres of milk a day and produces almost 20kg of butter and 20kg cheese. The products are sold in the Gewog and Pema Gatshel town.
Members said with the MPU they can now provide good quality dairy products to their customers. Chairman Sonam Dorji of the Dairy Group said since the establishment of the group they have been able to deposit Nu 40,000-Nu 50,000 every month in the Group’s saving account. “This is just the beginning. We have no doubt that we can increase our production and market our products. Though our processing unit is small it is now possible to generate good income.”
A group member, Tendri Zangmo, said when they process the milk in their house they cannot maintain hygiene. “With a proper processing unit, it has become convenient for us. It will benefit us a lot. We are also more interested in the dairy business as we can now get monthly payment for the supply of milk.”
Chairman Sonam Dorji said they can employ four to five youth in the future once they enhance the group’s capacity. “Some of our members have started getting loans and purchasing good breed of cattle while some are beginning to apply for loans to buy additional cows.”
Thinley Dorji
