India has handed over 43 pureline Jersey cows to Bhutan as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s dairy breeding programme and improve milk productivity.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar handed over the cattle during his visit to the National Cattle Breeding Centre in Bumthang on September 16. The initiative is expected to support local farmers and contribute to the development of Bhutan’s dairy sector.
Jersey Cows to Support Breeding Programme
The 43 pureline Jersey cows have been provided for Bhutan’s dairy cattle breeding programme. According to Jaishankar, the high-yielding cattle are intended to enhance milk productivity and support farmers in the region.
The breeding programme at the National Cattle Breeding Centre is expected to benefit around 40,000 farmers, according to the External Affairs Minister.
The initiative forms part of wider cooperation between India and Bhutan in agriculture and rural development.
Focus on Higher Milk Productivity
Jersey cattle are widely used in dairy production because of their milk-producing characteristics and adaptability in various production systems. The introduction of pureline Jersey cattle into Bhutan’s breeding programme is intended to support genetic improvement and increase milk productivity.
Improved breeding stock can contribute to higher-performing dairy herds when combined with appropriate nutrition, animal health services, farm management and breeding practices.
For Bhutan, strengthening domestic cattle breeding can also support the availability of improved genetic resources for dairy farmers.
Support for Bhutanese Dairy Farmers
The breeding programme is expected to extend benefits beyond the National Cattle Breeding Centre by making improved genetics available to a larger farming community.
The programme’s projected reach of 40,000 farmers highlights its intended role in strengthening dairy production at the community level.
Higher milk productivity could support household dairy incomes while contributing to greater availability of locally produced milk and dairy products.
Part of Wider India-Bhutan Cooperation
The cattle handover took place during Jaishankar’s official visit to Bhutan from September 16–17 at the invitation of Bhutan’s Foreign Minister and External Trade Minister Lyonpo DN Dhungyel.
During the visit, Jaishankar and Dhungyel reviewed cooperation across development, energy, trade, connectivity, culture and people-to-people relations.
The two ministers also participated in events related to infrastructure, energy and healthcare developments in Bhutan.
The dairy breeding initiative therefore forms part of a broader programme of bilateral cooperation between India and Bhutan.
Strengthening Livestock Genetics
The introduction of pureline Jersey cattle provides Bhutan with additional breeding resources that can be used to improve the productivity of its dairy herd.
However, the long-term impact of genetic improvement depends on factors including breeding programme implementation, feed availability, animal healthcare, farmer access to breeding services and local environmental conditions.
The initiative is expected to provide a foundation for expanding access to improved dairy genetics among Bhutanese farmers.
Dairy Sector Cooperation Between India and Bhutan
India’s support for Bhutan’s cattle breeding programme highlights the role of livestock development within the broader bilateral relationship.
With the breeding centre expected to serve around 40,000 farmers, the programme could help strengthen milk production capacity and improve access to higher-performing cattle genetics.
The initiative also demonstrates how cooperation in livestock breeding can complement broader agricultural and rural development efforts in the region.
