Neten Dorji | Trashigang

Poultry farming, one of the most profitable businesses in Trashigang is facing difficult times.

Tshewang Tobgay, a university graduate, started commercial poultry farming business in 2010 at Dramang, near Lungtenzampa, about 12km from Trashigang town.

He said most farmers lost interest in the business when feed price increased. He is already thinking of closing down the farm.

“Farmers have little choice. Feed price keeps shooting up,” he said.

Another poultry farmer in Rangjung, Pema Dorji, has pretty much the same story to tell. “The feed price went up to Nu 1,775 today. The business is no more viable.”

Egg import is also killing the business in the dzongkhag. There is no demand for local eggs in Trashigang and Trashiyangtse.

A farm owner said that achieving self-sufficiency in poultry products would remain a dream if import continues.

Another farm owner in Radhi had availed himself of Nu 5,80,000 loan from Rural Enterprise Development Corporation Limited (REDCL) and has so far repaid only 30 percent.

Farmers also say that feed produced by Pema Feed Mill (PFM) in Kanglung is of inferior quality affecting the production of eggs.

“I am running the farm under loss and if this remains the case for some time I might have to close it down,” said Nima Tshering, a farm owner.

Livestock officials said that they were monitoring and sensitising on feeding for livestock including poultry and dairy in the gewog.

“Poultry is a business where one can make quick money. Once they make some money from the business they venture into other business,” said an official.

There are four commercial, 13 semi commercial and nine group poultry farms in Trashigang.