Strategy for gross national happiness (sgnh) Annexures to the Main Document
Revitalization of livestock enterprises
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Revitalization of livestock enterprises1. Situation analysis 1.1 Background As Bhutan enters the next two decades the livestock sub-sector has the challenge to enhance livestock production capacities to meet the increasing demand of quality and safe livestock products and to enhance income of the small scale farmers. It therefore becomes essential that livestock development in Bhutan undergoes a metamorphosis to meet these challenges. It is estimated that 90% of the rural households own livestock in one form or the other. Livestock therefore forms a vital component of the RNR sector for the enhancement of the rural economy and in alleviating poverty. The 2003 national statistics indicate that livestock contribution is about 8.1% of the total GDP17; however, the intangible benefits derived from livestock which is not accounted are manifold and very significant. Organized livestock development began in late 1960’s within the broad frame work of the programmes like breed improvement, dairy development, animal health coverage, fodder development, sheep & fisheries development, establishment of animal husbandry cum farmers training centers, research & extension, human resource development. These programmes have been pursued in successive development plans. There is now a need to be more responsive to increasing demand of livestock products in a sustainable manner which is coherent with the concept of GNH. In order to combat the problems of possible environmental degradation, more effective strategies are required to increase animal feed resources and a more strategic genetic upgrading exercise, to improve animal productivity. Contrary to the species-specific development programmes of the past, the Livestock sub-sector now envisages the need to transform the subsistence type of farming to market and impact-oriented activities which will actually bring about a difference in the life of our farmers. 1.2 Livestock dynamics: population and production The number of cattle per rural household in 2005 was 4.2 and poultry 1.9. The other categories of animals per rural household ranged from 0.2 to 0.5. Cattle is by far the most important livestock in Bhutan. While there has been a 15% increase in the number of cattle over the last five years, crossbred cattle increased by about 50%. Similarly crossbred pig and poultry population increased by about 3 times and 2.5 times respectively. These indicate the impact of crossbreeding interventions in Bhutan which will be catalytic for sustainable intensification of livestock in the country. For livestock products, the quantity of liquid milk increased by about 70%, while the amount of cheese doubled in 2005 compared to 2000. The increase in crossbred pig and poultry population resulted in increase in pork production by 69%, chicken meat and eggs by about 3 times in 2005 compared to 2000. There were small increases in beef and yak meat production by 23% and 18% respectively in 2005. In spite of these increases in local livestock product production there was increases in imports as well with the exception of eggs. 2. Why a need for livestock revolution…2008 to 2028 2.1 Increasing demand for livestock products The need for a livestock revolution is straightforward. Bhutan’s rapid population growth, income rise and urbanization are fuelling an increase in demand for food of animal origin. Between 2000 and 2005, there was increase in per capita consumption of all livestock products. Milk consumption doubled, cheese and fresh fish consumption increased by about 2.5 times. The highest increase was seen in pork (about 3.5 times) and chicken (about 3 times). Eggs consumption increased by about 33% in 2005 compared to 2000. The per capita consumption is projected to grow even faster through 2028. Such changes can create new opportunities for livestock producers in Bhutan to enhance local production in a competitive manner and gradually reduce imports. 2.2 Need for integrating smallholders with commercial processing & marketing As livestock products demand increases it is important to have mechanisms on how the poor farmers can retain their market share of livestock production. Addressing the increased demand for livestock products provides an avenue for sustainable intensification of smallholder livestock production systems. 3. Broad policy pillars for livestock development The inherent complexity of livestock production imposes constraints that have to be addressed and which pose particular challenges not normally faced by the agricultural planner. Yet it is the very complexity of animal production systems that also offers some of the greatest opportunities for development. Livestock, because of their linkages with the overall farming system, make valuable entry points for wider agricultural development programmes. To exploit these opportunities, an integrated approach that combines both technical and institutional interventions is required. Rather than emphasizing only on output maximization, polices are required for a dynamic livestock sub-sector to improve food security and alleviate poverty and at the same time minimize adverse effects on public health and the environment. Some of the broad policy pillars proposed for livestock development in the future are:
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