The Hon’able Dasho Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MoAL) made an official visit to the Centre for Yubja Conservation and Development at Sertsam, Lhuentse. The Secretary took a tour of the Centre and was briefly updated about the ongoing programs and activities. Currently, the Centre is home to 138 heads of Nublang and Thrabum cattle, and 1,953 Yubja poultry birds (including chicks, pullets, and growers).
During the visit, several pressing challenges were discussed. These included the difficult terrain that hinders operations, a mismatch between livestock numbers and the land’s carrying capacity, ongoing budget constraints, and inadequate infrastructure such as livestock sheds and staff housing. The shortage of green fodder for native poultry was also highlighted as a major concern, contributing to higher production costs.
The discussion also focused on future plans and opportunities. These included developing a project proposal for organic egg production and product diversification, supplying organic eggs to Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), and expanding conservation efforts to farmers’ fields. It was also suggested that market rates for products of the native livestock such as eggs, butter, cheese, and milk be reviewed and potentially increased, given their unique value compared to other livestock products.
Dasho also visited the EU-funded developmental works undertaken during the current financial year. These include the construction of a bridge, establishment of a biosecurity facility site, maintenance of the water supply system, and blacktopping of the access road. All activities were reported to be successfully completed on time.
