COUNTRY BACKGROUND - Gross National Happiness Commission

Renewable Natural Resources
17.67 An in depth study of farm mechanisation will have been completed by the end of 6FYP and will form the
basis of developments in this area in the 7FYP.
Livestock Sector Development ProgrammesLivestock Sector Development Programmes
17.68 As mentioned above the livestock subsector programmes will focus on increasing productivity through
breed improvement and processing of livestock products to increase incomes, rather than on increasing livestock
numbers.
Breed ImprovementBreed Improvement
17.69 This will be the major component of the livestock sub sector development programme. Artificial
Insemination facilities will be strengthened and new centres established in feasible areas.Mobile insemination
services will be established where feasible. The distribution of breeding stock will also continue from the network
of breeding farms. Initiatives will be taken to introduce AI for other livestock.
Dairy DevelopmentDairy Development
17.70 Milk production will be encouraged through establishment of milk processing and marketing systems.
Additional cooperative societies will be established in rural areas, which will also provide a channel for extension
services.
Sheep DevelopmentSheep Development
17.71 A nucleus breeding flock of improved sheep for wool production will be available by the end of the 6FYP,
which will provide a base for expanding sheep production in the Bumthang, Tongsa, Wangdiphodrang and
Tashigang areas. The wool produced will be aimed at the weaving industry and wool processing facilities will be
established.
Animal Husbandry FarmsAnimal Husbandry Farms
17.72 The Government Animal Husbandry Farm will continue to provide improved breeds for distribution to
farmers and to act as a focal point for research activities. These farms will continue to be improved and upgraded.
Commercial EnterprisesCommercial Enterprises
17.73 This programme will support the Dzongkhags to improve nutritional standards, through the development of
livestock enterprises. The scheme will aim to provide urban areas with livestock products, and commercial dairy,
piggery, and fish farms will be established.
Animal Health ServicesAnimal Health Services
17.74 The existing network of animal health services will be strengthened and expanded. An Epidemiological
Unit will be established at Serbithang to study the disease outbreak pattern in the country. The Zonal Laboratories
will be strengthened by providing additional facilities for immediate diagnosis of diseases in the field. The vaccine
production and distribution facilities will be upgraded, with additional vaccines produced in Bhutan. More attention
will be paid to surveying,control procedures and quarantine mechanisms to prevent spread of animal diseases.
Mobile services will be introduced to train Voluntary Village Animal Health Workers.
Animal NutritionAnimal Nutrition
17.75 Improving animal nutrition is another important part of increasing livestock productivity. The existing
pasture development programme will continue to identify suitable species for agroforestry and fodder production.
The intercropping of leguminous fodder crops will be encouraged to provide additional feed for livestock and to
improve soil fertility. The production of fodder tree species will also be incorporated into the fodder programme for
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