World Bank RNR Jobs Project - Dairy Commodity

"Consultative Meeting on Dairy Infrastructure Standardization"

A successful three-day consultative meeting was conducted with selected Dzongkhags under the World Bank–supported RNR Jobs Project (Dairy Commodity) and Gyalsung priority areas to strengthen Bhutan’s dairy sector through standardization, quality improvement, and knowledge sharing.

🐄 Dairy Housing Standardization
A three-day consultative meeting with selected Dzongkhags under the World Bank–supported RNR Jobs Project (Dairy Commodity) and Gyalsung priority areas was successfully conducted to develop guidelines for the standardization of dairy housing across Bhutan’s agro-ecological zones.
The meeting reviewed the current status of dairy housing practices, highlighting key challenges and gaps, and underscored the need for practical, cost-effective, and location-specific standards. A draft guideline outlining essential housing specifications—such as floor space, feeding arrangements, and resting areas—was presented, with due consideration to smallholder farming systems.
Through group work and technical discussions, participants reviewed and refined the draft, proposing improvements based on field realities across various zones. The process emphasized practicality, climate responsiveness, and adaptability to diverse farming conditions.
The meeting concluded with a consensus on a refined draft guideline for the standardization of dairy housing across Bhutan’s agro-ecological zones. The finalized draft is expected to promote improved animal welfare, hygiene, productivity, and uniformity in dairy housing practices, supporting sustainable development of the dairy sector in Bhutan.

🥛 Strengthening MCCs and MPUs

During the consultative meeting, key gaps and challenges in existing Milk Collection Centres (MCCs) and Milk Processing Units (MPUs) were critically reviewed, leading to important agreements for strengthening dairy infrastructure standards in the country. The meeting noted that many existing MCCs and MPUs do not adequately comply with Good Hygiene Practices (GHP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Participants highlighted that current construction materials and infrastructure design fall short of internationally accepted practices.
The revised guidelines therefore emphasize improved construction standards, along with the inclusion of basic laboratory facilities in MPUs to support quality assurance and control. The traditional milk collection sheds will no longer be promoted, as they do not meet required hygiene and safety standards. New MCCs and MPUs will be established primarily on government land, with alternative modalities developed where such land is unavailable. Infrastructure development for dairy farmer groups will be supported through the World Bank RNR Jobs Project, while private enterprises will be supported through PPP modalities via DAMC. To ensure regulatory compliance, the revised guidelines will be aligned with the standards of the Bhutan Food and Drug Authority prior to formal submission.
At the same time, the initiative promotes clean milk production through the introduction of a quality-based milk payment system. By rewarding milk quality rather than just quantity, farmers are incentivized to adopt better hygiene and handling practices. This integrated approach not only enhances milk safety and processing standards but also leads to higher farmer incomes and increased consumer confidence in dairy products.
The existing guidelines for dairy infrastructure have been comprehensively updated to reflect both current needs and future requirements of the sector. The newly developed guidelines aim to address these gaps, with initial implementation planned at Gyalsung Academy sites, followed by roll-out in selected Dzongkhags under the RNR Jobs Project and nationwide in near future.

📚 Extension Materials & Digital Knowledge Sharing

The meeting emphasized the development of practical, user-friendly extension materials to support MCC/MPU operations and farmer capacity building. Recommended materials include concise posters, laminated operational booklets, and visually rich standees posters for training.
A shift toward digital dissemination was strongly encouraged, with materials to be hosted on official websites rather than widely printed. Participants also recommended regularly updating online platforms with research, innovations, and sector developments, and developing a GIS-enabled web page to showcase interventions and success stories across regions.
Additionally, all existing guidelines were thoroughly reviewed and updated to enhance the effectiveness and consistency of service delivery. The revisions aim to improve clarity, standardize procedures, and ensure that services are delivered in a more efficient, transparent, and farmer-centric manner across all regions, while aligning with current best practices and the emerging needs of the dairy sector.
Overall, the meeting marks a significant step towards building a more standardized, safe, and sustainable dairy sector in Bhutan, benefiting farmers, processors, and consumers alike.

Reported by NDDC, Yusipang

World Bank South Asia

"Specialized Liquid Nitrogen Plant Operation and Maintenance Training Underway at IMTEK Cryogenics, Ankara, Turkey"

Three technical personnel—two from NDDC, Yusipang and one from RLDC, Kanglung are undergoing an 8-day (6-13 April) specialized training program on the operation and maintenance of Liquid Nitrogen (LN₂) plants at IMTEK Cryogenics, Ankara, Turkey with financial support from the World Bank–funded RNR Jobs Project.
At present, the Department operates three LN₂ plants—two at NDDC, Yusipang and one at RLDC, Kanglung—which play a pivotal role in supporting the national artificial insemination (AI) programme. These plants ensure the continuous production and supply of liquid nitrogen essential for the cryopreservation of bovine semen distributed to AI centres across the country, as well as for maintaining on-station semen banks. As such, the reliability and efficiency of LN₂ production systems are critical for sustaining dairy breed improvement initiatives and enhancing livestock productivity nationwide.
The training program is designed to equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of cryogenic science and the complete liquid nitrogen production cycle. It will enable them to thoroughly understand the functions and interrelationships of key plant components, and to confidently undertake plant start-up, operation, and shutdown procedures in accordance with standard protocols. Participants will also gain practical skills in monitoring and managing critical operational parameters such as pressure, temperature, and nitrogen purity to ensure optimal plant performance.
In addition, the training emphasizes routine and preventive maintenance practices, enabling staff to detect early signs of system inefficiencies and undertake timely corrective measures. Strong focus is also placed on safety management, including risk identification and mitigation associated with cryogenic operations, thereby ensuring safe handling and operation of LN₂ systems. Furthermore, the program will build competencies in troubleshooting common technical issues, adhering to standard operating procedures, and maintaining operational records for improved system management.
Overall, this capacity-building initiative is expected to significantly strengthen in-house technical expertise within the Department. It will reduce dependence on external service providers, minimize plant downtime, and enhance operational efficiency. Most importantly, it will ensure a reliable and uninterrupted supply of liquid nitrogen to AI centres nationwide, thereby directly contributing to the success of the national dairy breeding program and supporting the broader goals of livestock sector development and rural livelihoods in Bhutan.
Reported by: NDDC Yusipang

World Bank South Asia

"Development of National Standards for Milk and Yoghurt"

The National Dairy Development Centre, Department of Livestock, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock in collaboration with the Bhutan Standards Bureau, MoICE is currently carrying out a 5-day consultative workshop from the 1st – 5th of April 2026 for the development of National Standards for Raw Milk, Pasteurized Milk, and Yoghurt at Lobesa, Punakha through the Sub-Committee for Milk and Milk Products. The consultative workshop is carried out through the involvement of relevant stakeholders from the Department of Livestock (MoAL), Bhutan Food and Drug Authority (MoH), Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (MoICE), National Post Harvest Centre (DAMC), Koufuku International Limited and representatives of dairy farmers groups from Thimphu, Chukha, Wangduephodrang and Trashigang.
The consultative workshop aims to gather feedback from all stakeholders and develop a comprehensive and inclusive National Standards for milk and yoghurt which will serve as the basis for quality improvement of milk and milk products. The standards will encourage the production of hygienic milk throughout the entire dairy value chain with the objective of introducing a quality based milk grading and payment system. Through the development and initiation of the required standards the dairy sector is expected to progress towards commercialization with enhanced product diversification to address import substitution and food safety.

Reported by; Dairy Post-production Sector, NDDC

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𝗥𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 - Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Royal Government of Bhutan

Advocacy and Sensitization on Emerging Biogas Technology in Dagana Dzongkhag

The National Dairy Development Centre, under the Department of Livestock, is organizing an advocacy and sensitization program focused on emerging biogas technologies in Dagana Dzongkhag, starting on 16th March 2026. This initiative aims to increase awareness and enhance farmers' understanding of the benefits and potential of biogas technologies as a sustainable energy solution for cooking. The program is supported by funding from the World Bank RNR Jobs project, and the same program will be carried out in all 14 World Bank RNR Jobs project Dzongkhags and Gewogs.
World Bank South Asia

"Advocacy Meeting with Dairy Farmers on “Elite Heifer Breeders Scheme” and “Smart Dairy Farming” in Samtse Dzongkhag"

In line with the vision and strategic direction of the Department of Livestock under the 13th Five-Year Plan (FYP) for dairy commercialization and transformation, the National Dairy Development Centre (NDDC), Yusipang, with support from the World Bank–funded RNR Jobs Project, has initiated advocacy programs targeting dairy farmers in Gyalsung priority Dzongkhags. The initiative focuses on promoting the Elite Heifer Breeders Scheme (EHBS) and Smart Dairy Farming practices.
The primary objective of the program is to motivate and align dairy farmers toward enhancing milk productivity and improving dairy products through efficient dairy value chain management. Increased productivity is expected to be achieved through dairy breed improvement, particularly through the use of sexed semen technology, which is now available in the country. Adoption of the EHBS will enable farmers to produce elite dairy cattle, thereby boosting milk production and generating additional income through the sale of high-quality heifers.
Furthermore, the program emphasizes the adoption of smart dairy farming practices. Farmers are sensitized on cost-effective dairy husbandry approaches, including proper record keeping, improved housing systems, better nutrition management, and hygienic milk production practices.
The advocacy program was conducted across six gewogs in Samtse Dzongkhag: Norbugang, Ugyentshe, Yoseltshe, Namgaycholing, Tashicholing, and Sangngacholing. The sessions were held from 10th to 21st March 2026, with a total of 306 farmers participating.
Out of the total participants, 165 (53.92%) were female, indicating strong women’s participation in dairy farming. In terms of age distribution, the majority (48.37%) of participants were above 50 years.
The advocacy meetings successfully raised awareness among dairy farmers on available technologies and support mechanisms for dairy development in the Dzongkhag. Farmers were encouraged to actively participate in transforming the dairy sector. It is anticipated that the support outlined during the sessions will be effectively implemented to strengthen the dairy value chain, enhance productivity, and meet the growing national demand for milk and dairy products.
Participant Distribution by Gewog, Gender, and Age.

Capacity building exposure visit of lead farmers and technical officers to Anand Gujarat to learn about dairy value chain management.

A 17-member delegation from Bhutan, comprising 7 livestock officials and 10 representatives from Dairy Farmers Groups has embarked on a six-day study tour to Anand, Gujarat, India to gain exposure to and deepen their understanding of the dairy value chain.
The programme, organized under the World Bank-funded RNR Jobs Project, is coordinated by the National Dairy Development Centre (NDDC), Yusipang, and facilitated by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), Anand. The visit provides a valuable platform for participants to gain practical insights through field visits, expert interactions, and hands-on learning across different components of the dairy sector.
Located in the state of Gujarat, the city of Anand is widely known as the “Milk Capital of India.” It is the birthplace of India’s renowned dairy cooperative movement and home to the iconic Amul cooperative. The dairy model developed in Anand—often referred to as the “Anand Pattern”—has played a central role in transforming India into one of the world’s largest milk producers. This cooperative system integrates farmers into organized milk collection, processing, and marketing networks, ensuring fair prices for producers while delivering quality dairy products to consumers.
During the visit, the Bhutanese delegation will explore key components of the dairy value chain, including cooperative governance, milk procurement systems, dairy plant operations, livestock productivity improvement, animal health services, and technology used for transparency in dairy supply chains. The team will also visit institutions and facilities such as the Amul Dairy, dairy cooperative societies, processing plants, and NDDB’s training and research units.
The exposure visit aims to build the capacity of livestock officials and dairy farmers, enabling them to apply lessons from the Anand dairy cooperative model to strengthen Bhutan’s dairy sector, improve farmer livelihoods, and promote sustainable rural enterprise development.
This initiative reflects the continued commitment of the RNR Jobs Project and the Department of Livestock to enhance skills, foster innovation, and support the growth of a vibrant and resilient dairy value chain in Bhutan.
World Bank South Asia

"Strengthening Rural Livelihoods through Capacity Building of Community-Based Artificial Insemination Technicians (CAIT) under the World Bank–Supported RNR Jobs Project."

Artificial Insemination (AI) is widely recognized as a proven reproductive technology for accelerating the genetic improvement of cattle. Through systematic application of AI, livestock productivity can be enhanced, leading to improved milk production, better herd quality, and increased income for farming communities. Recognizing its importance, the National Dairy Development Centre (NDDC), Yusipang under the Department of Livestock, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock initiated the Community-Based Artificial Insemination Technician (CAIT) training program in 2010 on a pilot basis to extend AI services closer to farming communities.
Currently, there are more than 130 Artificial Insemination Centres (AICs) covering all 20 Dzongkhags of the country. These centres are typically managed by a single technical staff who is responsible for a wide range of livestock-related services at the gewog level, including animal health care, feed and fodder development, climate-smart livestock farming, animal production, and extension services. Due to these multiple responsibilities, it is often challenging for a single staff to provide uninterrupted and timely AI services to farmers.
To address this gap and ensure wider accessibility to AI services, the concept of CAIT was introduced by the National Dairy Development Centre (NDDC). The initiative focuses on building local capacity by training interested community members to provide basic AI services within their respective localities. This approach not only strengthens the delivery of cattle breeding services but also promotes greater community participation and ownership in dairy development, while creating opportunities for rural livelihood enhancement.
The CAIT program plays a vital role in mitigating the shortage of AI technicians in the field and ensuring uninterrupted AI service delivery to farmers. In addition, the program contributes to rural employment creation, income generation, and sustainable livelihood opportunities for local youth and farmers. By empowering community members with technical skills, the program supports long-term improvements in cattle genetic resources and promotes efficient milk production, thereby strengthening the dairy sector and making dairying a more profitable enterprise for rural households.
With financial support from the World Bank through the RNR Jobs Project (Dairy Componenet), the CAIT Training commenced on 9th March 2026 at Bikhar, Samkhar Gewog under Trashigang Dzongkhag. The 28-day training is being organized by the National Dairy Development Centre (NDDC, Yusipang) in close collaboration with the Regional Livestock Development Centre (RLDC, Kanglung) and the Dzongkhag Livestock Sector (DLS), Trashigang Dzongkhag. A total of 18 participants from Eastern Dzongkhags are attending the training program, including participants from SamdrupJongkhar (6), Trashigang (4), Lhuentse (4), Monggar (2) and Tashiyangtse (2). The training aims to equip participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in Bovine artificial insemination, reproductive management, and cattle breeding services. The support from the World Bank funded RNR Jobs Project plays a crucial role in expanding such capacity-building initiatives. By investing in skill development and rural employment, the project contributes significantly to strengthening livestock services, improving dairy productivity, and creating meaningful livelihood opportunities for rural communities.
World Bank South Asia

Training on use of Milk Analyzers and Stakeholder Consultation for Location Mapping of Milk Collection Centres in Samtse Dzongkhag

Gearing towards the improvement of milk quality in the World Bank priority Dzongkhags and the institution of a milk grading and payment system, the National Dairy Development Centre, Department of Livestock handed over 6 milk analyzers to the Dzongkhag Livestock Sector, Samtse. These milk analyzers will be handed over to the Dairy Farmer Groups of Samtse Dzongkhag by the Chief Dzongkhag Livestock Officer for analysis of milk quality. Data obtained through the analysis of milk will be submitted to the NDDC by the users that will form a baseline data for the development of a grading and payment system based on quality. Training on the operation and maintenance of the milk analyzers were provided to the Gewog Livestock Staff and the Chairpersons of the Dairy Farmers Groups of Samtse Dzongkhag.
This was followed by the field inspection of milk collection points and location mapping using QGIS and SWMAPS to identify the exact milk collection points currently practiced by the farmer groups. It is noted that there is wide spread usage of collection along the roadside under poor hygiene and chilling conditions leading to the rapid deterioration of milk quality. This current practice of collection on road side and in containers unsuitable for milk storage is not conducive for improvement of milk quality and remedial measures to address this constraint will be implemented through the RNR Jobs Project in coordination with the respective Dzongkhag Livestock Sectors.

Capacity Building of Gewog Livestock Supervisors on Smart Dairy Farming
In response to the evolving need to regularly upgrade and upskill frontline extension personnel, a Capacity Building Training on Smart Dairy Farming for Gewog Livestock Supervisors (GLS) from World Bank–RNR Jobs Project priority Gewogs of the West Central Region namely Tsirang, Dagana, Punakha, and Wangduephodrang, was conducted at the Professional Development Centre (PDC), Tsirang, from 10–14 February 2026.
The five-day training was attended by GLS from the targeted project Gewogs, who play a pivotal role in delivering livestock extension services, implementing government schemes, and supporting dairy farmers’ groups and cooperatives at the grassroots level.
The training was organized by the National Dairy Development Centre (NDDC) and funded by the World Bank–RNR Jobs Project. The training aimed to strengthen and upgrade the technical knowledge and practical skills of GLS to drive dairy commercialization and transformation. It also focused on enhancing their capacity to motivate farmers to adopt innovative approaches, embrace smart technologies and best dairy practices, and manage dairy groups and cooperatives in a sustainable, market-oriented, and economically viable manner.
Key Thematic Areas
The training covered a wide range of priority interventions across the dairy value chain, including:
🔹Orientation, Policy Framework & Smart Dairy Technologies
Participants were oriented on national policies and smart dairy technologies, including cost-sharing mechanisms for breeding inputs such as sexed semen and the elite heifer cluster scheme and basic infrastructure such as improved dairy housing and integration of Biogas. Under the biogas component, participants were introduced to emerging biogas technologies, such as prefabricated Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) digesters, which provide greater durability, ease of installation, and higher gas efficiency. The discussion highlighted the benefits of biogas for smallholder dairy farms, including renewable energy generation for cooking and heating, reduction of Green House Gas, and production of nutrient-rich slurry that can be used as organic fertilizer. Participants were also sensitized on potential linkage with national renewable energy programs (Bhutan Ecological Society) for promoting sustainable and climate-resilient dairy farming practices in the country.
🔹 Pasture, Fodder & Feed Management
Sessions focused on improved pasture management, fodder conservation, Pakchong Hybrid/ Super Napier Technology, Total Mixed Ration (TMR) formulation using Pearson Square Method, alongside fodder enterprise development.
🔹 Dairy Groups, Cooperatives & Business Viability
Participants were provided with practical insights on strengthening dairy groups and cooperatives, including hands-on exposure to key financial management tools such as break-even analysis and cost–benefit analysis to assess the viability of dairy enterprises. The training also emphasized clustering of nearby dairy groups to achieve economies of scale, reduce operational costs, and enhance the overall sustainability and profitability of dairy enterprises.
🔹 Farm recording and Digital Cattle Identification System
The GLS were sensitized on the importance of farm recording as a practical management tool for assessing dairy farm profitability. This included accurate technical recording of test-day milk yield, body weight, and comprehensive financial records covering fixed assets, input costs, labour, and other operational expenses, along with income from milk and product sales to evaluate overall farm performance.
They were also oriented on the enhanced features of the National Dairy Information System (NDIS), including improved digital cattle identification, real-time data entry, and reporting functions to support evidence-based decision-making. These improvements will enable more effective monitoring of farm performance, strengthen traceability, and facilitate targeted interventions to enhance productivity and sustainability of the dairy sector.
🔹 Quality, Standards & Dairy Value Chain Development
The participants were oriented on the current status of milk hygiene in the country and their capacity was strengthened on clean milk production practices to improve product safety and quality. The session also addressed production-related diseases, particularly mastitis, with emphasis on its prevention, early detection, and proper management to reduce production losses and improve milk quality.
It further covered national standards for milk and dairy products, along with the introduction of quality-based milk pricing systems to incentivize better hygiene and handling practices at both farm and group levels. In addition, participants were briefed on dairy value chain development initiatives under the project, including strategic location mapping of Milk Collection Centres (MCCs) and Milk Processing Units (MPUs) to enhance milk aggregation, improve processing efficiency, and strengthen market access for dairy farmers.
Training approaches
The training adopted a blended “learning-by-doing” approach, combining theory sessions with practical demonstrations on Total Mixed Ration (TMR) formulation and improved housing layout, along with field visits and case studies of dairy group operations. These activities helped participants link concepts to real-world applications, particularly in improving economies of scale through clustering of smaller dairy groups.
To reinforce learning, each day’s sessions were recapped on the following day by participants from assigned Dzongkhags. These recap presentations were conducted on a rotational basis, helping participants revisit key concepts, strengthen retention, and promote active engagement and peer learning throughout the training.

Expected key outcome
 Improved knowledge of smart dairy farming technologies and government support schemes among GLSs
 Enhanced technical skills in fodder management feed formulation.
 Better understanding of dairy group management and business viability concepts
 Increased awareness of milk quality standards, value chain requirements and disease prevention
 Enhanced understanding of the National Dairy Information System for digital cattle identification and data management.
 Strengthened capacity of GLSs to provide effective, evidence-based advisory services to operate dairy farming as well as dairy farmers group/cooperatives in a business mode

World Bank South Asia