At this time of year, mountains are covered with snow and grasses in the grazing areas turn brown. And animals are left with little grazing land. So, during the lockdown, Tsento Gewog in Paro supplied nearly seven metric tons of feeds to the highlanders. They depend on livestock for their livelihood.
Due to the cold winter, people of Soe Domzang, Soe Yagsa, Yagsa and Nubri under Tsento Gewog in Paro have very little grazing land. And they buy feeds from Shana which is the nearest road point.
“We fully depend upon livestock for livelihood. Especially during winters, it is hard for animals to graze. So we must have stocks of Karma feeds and other feeds. I have around 30 cattle including yaks. So in a year, I must have around six sacks of Karma feeds, mustard residue (Bachu) and salt,” said Rinchen Wangmo from Yagsa village.
Although the Highlanders were not allowed to travel to Shana during the lockdown, the feed supply was not disrupted.
“People use to buy from Shana as we have an agent who distributes feeds. However, due to lockdown and movement restrictions, we had to deliver it. It is a joint effort of Gewog and Dzongkhag Task Force,” said Sonam Rinchen, Livestock Extension officer of Tsento Gewog.
A truckload of feeds was delivered to the highlanders.
“We did not face much hassle like in the first lockdown. However as prioritized the needs of people living in the highlands, we delivered a truckload of feeds during the second lockdown. This truckload was delivered to people of Yagsa and Nubri,” said Doley, Gup of Tsento.
The continuous supply of feed according to the people ensured healthy livestock and increased dairy products.
“During usual times when there are no restrictions, we have to come all the way to Paro town to buy the feeds. But this year due to lockdown Gewog officials brought the feeds and supplied. We are very grateful,” said Rinchen Wangmo from Yagsa village.
“We would like to thank the relevant offices for solving our problem immediately. Such an initiative has saved the transportation cost as well,” said Rinchen from Nubri.
With the lockdown being lifted, people will be migrating to warmer places. And they are optimistic about the selling of the dairy products that they have stored during the lockdown.
Namgay Wangchuk, Paro
