JASFT-Abstract

Caught in the Middle: Reasons for Hindered Growth Among Dairy Groups of Haa District in Western Bhutan

Kesang Wangchuk, Tashi Dorji, Jigme Wangdi, Maria Wurzinger and Werner Zollitsch

 

Full Length Research Paper I Published September ,2019

 

Journal of Agricultural Science and Food Technology  Vol. 5 (7), pp.131-139.

 

https://doi.org/10.36630/jasft_19035

 

ABSTRACT

The study aimed to identify and analyze the causes of hindered growth of dairy groups in Haa district of Western Bhutan. The study was conducted in the autumn of 2018, in major administrative blocks of Samar, Kartsog and Bji of Haa district. Sixty key respondents from three blocks were interviewed. The study was administered through field surveys, using the semi-structured questionnaires with open- and closed-ended questions. Except for Kartsog administrative block, there was no significant change in the number of group members before and after more than half a decade since the establishment of dairy groups in Samar and Bji administrative blocks. Dairy groups were dominated by female members. Members with bigger landholdings allocated more land for cultivating exotic pasture that allowed them to rear a greater number of exotic dairy cattle. Dairy groups had low milk production in winter due to acute feed and fodder shortages. Dairy product diversity was negligible and the only major products were butter and cheese. However, the group members expressed their interests to acquire new skills and develop the capacity to produce diverse products. The groups also faced difficulties due to lack of proper and organized markets. However, the current governance of dairy groups was good, except for the Samar administrative block. The study concluded that the pressing issues facing dairy groups of Haa can be addressed by building capacity on preparation of various dairy products; and developing proper and organized markets.

 

KeyWords: Dairy group, Forages, Milk cattle, Market, Pasture.

 

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