In Norbugang, Pemagatshel, Bhutan, a noticeable shift from mandarin orchards to dairy farming is occurring among local farmers due to the adverse impacts of citrus greening disease on orange production. Dawa, a seasoned orange farmer, has seen his income plummet as his orchard's output has dwindled since 2015. This situation is mirrored across the community, prompting a transition to dairy farming as an alternative source of livelihood.
Initially, a few farmers ventured into rearing high-quality dairy breeds like Jersey and Holstein-Friesian (HF) cows, which gradually garnered more interest. This diversification strategy has been adopted widely, with some farmers now managing herds of over 15 cattle. The move towards dairy farming is seen as a way to mitigate the risks associated with reliance on a single crop, especially in light of the unreliability of orange yields in recent years.
The transition is also evident in the designated orange pocket areas of Norbugang, where orange grower Ngawang Penjor has successfully established a dairy farm. Penjor's dairy operation, which includes nine Jersey cows, generates a substantial income, surpassing his earnings from orange sales. He advocates for subsidies for high-quality cattle breeds to enhance milk production and suggests that financial support from banks or the government could facilitate further expansion into livestock farming.
Norbugang Gup Kinley Dorji commends the community's resilience and adaptability in the face of declining orange farming. The dairy initiative, which began with 30 farmers, has expanded to a group of 70, distributing dairy products as far as Thimphu. This transition not only provides a sustainable income source but also addresses market challenges, showcasing the community's ability to transform local challenges into opportunities.
Source: KUENSEL