DZONGKHAG LIVESTOCK SECTOR
Livestock plays an integral role in the lives of Bhutanese farmers and is no exception for the people of the Dzongkhag. In fact, livestock farming is an integral component of a deeply rooted farming system that has been practiced since time immemorial in all four Gewogs of the Dzongkhag. Livestock development in the country started in 1961 with the inception of the 1st Five Year Plan Development Program. In order to achieve the overall national objective of higher living standards for the Bhutanese population, and the people of Bumthang in particular, rapid gains and high productivity in livestock production are essential. This can be accelerated with a good service organization structure that can deliver effective services to the people.
The following are the set-up of livestock service delivery points in the Dzongkhag: Dzongkhag Livestock Sector, Dzongkhag Veterinary Hospital, RNR-Extension Centre, Thangbi, Tang, Chhumig, and Ura.
Vision
To attain food security and self-sufficiency in livestock products through enhanced rural livelihoods to alleviate poverty.
Mission
To increase livestock productivity by ensuring prompt delivery of appropriate technologies and services through commodity-based approach.
Mandates
Develop sound policies and legal framework, strategies, and guidelines to ensure efficient delivery of livestock services.
- Mobilize resources and promote livestock development.
- Plan, coordinate, monitor, and evaluate the implementation of overall livestock development programs.
- Ensure the supply of quality livestock inputs.
- Ensure sustainable utilization and management of livestock resources.
- Promote livestock enterprise development.
- Coordinate and implement a highland development program.
- Build the technical capacity of livestock farmers in livestock production.
- Promote climate-resilient livestock production to mitigate and adapt to Climate Change.
- Promote market access and marketing of livestock products.
- Facilitate the formation of Farmer Groups, Cooperatives, and Federation.
- Safeguard the health and welfare of animals through the provision of quality animal health services.
- Promote one health approach to safeguard public health by prevention and control of zoonotic diseases.
- Liaise with national stakeholders in areas of livestock development.
Objectives
The objectives of Department of Livestock are as follows:
- To enhance food and nutrition security and rural livelihood through the promotion of livestock farming.
- To enhance the effective and efficient delivery of livestock services.
- To generate appropriate technologies for the enhancement of livestock production.
- To encourage youths and public sector investment in livestock enterprises.
