𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐤 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐧 𝐍𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐤𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐬 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬

…𝒇𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒇𝒊𝒕 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒛𝒆𝒅 𝒔𝒚𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒎 𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒚 𝒑𝒂𝒚𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒆𝒅 𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒌 𝒘𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆

By Tashi Tshewang

The Milk Processing Unit (MPU) at Nangkor, Shumar was officially inaugurated on June 17, marking an important step toward improving the local dairy industry and supporting rural livelihoods. The new facility aims to streamline milk collection, enhance processing efficiency, and expand marketing opportunities for dairy farmers in the area.
With the MPU now operational, farmers in the region can expect a more stable and organized system that offers better prices, reduces milk wastage, and encourages consistent production. The unit is designed to serve existing farmers and attract new ones by providing a reliable market for milk and dairy products.

Plans are underway to upgrade the MPU into a fully integrated dairy plant in the future, expanding product lines and processing capabilities. This development will include stronger partnerships with farmers in neighboring Gewogs, extending the economic benefits beyond Nangkor and contributing to wider rural development.
The MPU reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to increasing agricultural productivity, promoting self-sufficiency in dairy products, and improving rural incomes. It also supports national priorities of creating jobs and fostering inclusive economic growth.

Sonam Dendup, Gup of Shumar, said, “With the establishment of the Milk Processing Unit, there will be new employment opportunities for our youth. Currently, only two staff members work at the facility, but as operations grow, more young people can get involved.”
He added, “We also plan to provide training soon. It is important that people learn about cleanliness, proper handling of milk, and hygiene to ensure high-quality products. We have already started giving some basic instructions.”
Chening Rabten, Nangkor Tshogpa, said, “The Milk Processing Unit has finally launched after two years of waiting. It will benefit the villagers greatly. One challenge we face is transportation, as we do not have a vehicle to transport milk and products. But with this unit, farmers can sell locally, saving time and avoiding long travel.”

The MPU is managed by a group of 61 members from 35 households. It reduces farmers’ burden by cutting travel distance and providing a stable platform for selling dairy products. This saves time and allows villagers to focus on other income-generating activities.

Chening Rabten added, “Having a market is very important. Most villagers own cows, and sometimes there is surplus milk and dairy products left unsold. Without a proper market, there is a risk of wastage. A strong and stable market will ensure all products are used, motivate farmers to increase production, and strengthen the community’s economy.”
Pema Choki, MPU accountant, said, “Now, villagers show more interest in herding cows. Previously, they got daily cash payments, which made it easy to spend quickly. With the MPU, they receive payments once a month, all at once. This helps them save better.”

She explained, “For operational expenses, we manage some costs ourselves. For example, electricity bills are paid by us. The Gewog has provided a few materials to support the unit, but we have to manage other needs. Currently, two staff members work at the unit, each receiving a monthly salary of Nu. 15,000.”
Norbu Dema, a resident of Nangkor, said, “Till now, processing milk was difficult. Everything had to be done at home, from collecting to processing, which took a lot of time. It was challenging to manage both household chores and milk processing.”

She added, “Now, with the MPU, our time is saved, and it is easier. We can simply deliver the milk, and the processing is handled. We earn a steady income without sacrificing so much time and energy. We are thankful to the government for supporting us and improving our livelihoods.”
Pema Dorji, another resident from Shumar, said, “Before, even though we had cows and milk, selling was a problem. Sometimes we could not find buyers, and the milk would spoil if not sold in time.”
Limited market access and storage were major obstacles. Without a proper system, much milk was wasted, causing financial loss for families depending on dairy farming.

He concluded, “Now, with the MPU, everything is more organized. We deliver milk daily, and the unit handles the rest. This is a relief because we don’t worry about finding buyers or processing milk ourselves. The regular payments make our income stable and reliable.”