Zambalha Cooperative, which is run by a dairy farmers’ group in Norbugang Gewog is one of the most successful cooperatives in Pema Gatshel. But it is faced with a space crunch, affecting the growth of the business. However, the problem may end soon since the Cooperative’s new milk processing unit is almost complete.
The double-storied traditional house will become a milk processing unit or MPU for Zambalha Cooperative in a month or so. Currently, the house is being painted.
Its construction began in early 2020.
Once the cooperative moves into the new MPU, its members can focus more on milking fortune.
At the moment, their MPU is housed in a congested one-storied house. With increasing membership, the cooperative said it is challenging to ensure a favourable working environment.
It has 70 members. Also due to limited space, Cheese and butter storage boxes and some pots are mounted outside the unit.
“We collect huge quantities of milk. But our MPU is small and we face challenges in doing our usual work. Due to space crunch, it is also difficult to maintain cleanliness,” complains the Secretary of Zambalha Cooperative in Norbugang Gewog, Tashi Namgay.
The Cooperative’s Chairperson, Ngawang Penjor, shared similar views.
“We are waiting for the completion of the new MPU soon. Once we shift there, all the problems will be solved.”
Around this time of the year, the cooperative collects more than a thousand litres of milk from its members every day for the production of dairy products like cheese and butter.
It produces about 700 to 800 cheese balls and 30 to 35 kilograms of butter in a day.
The production swells during the summer season. The cooperative regularly supplies the dairy product to Thimphu, Nganglam and Pangbang.
Zambalha Cooperative has been in the production of dairy products since its inception in 2016.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Pema Lhaden
