What began as a small community initiative in 2014 has now become a model for women-led rural enterprise in Bhutan. The dairy processing plant in Mongar, operated by the Zhonggar Nazhoen Gonor Gongphel Detshen, is run entirely by women, marking a significant shift in local economic and social dynamics.
Initially formed with thirteen members—twelve women and one man—the collective is now managed solely by five women who handle milk collection, processing, marketing, and sales. Their journey has not been without challenges, but their perseverance has transformed the plant into a thriving business that supports both livelihoods and gender empowerment.
From Hardship to Efficiency
In the early years, logistical difficulties slowed production. The old processing shed was built below the main road, forcing members to carry heavy milk containers down long flights of stairs every day. “Before it was quite hard to work, having to take the milk containers by the stairs. However, after the processing plant was constructed, we can now easily take the containers,” said Tshering Dema, a 28-year-old mother of two.
A turning point came in 2019 when the Commercial Agriculture and Resilient Livelihoods Enhancement Programme (CARLEP) provided modern dairy equipment, including yogurt incubators, butter churners, and cheese presses. Training in their use allowed members to produce value-added products such as cheese, paneer, yogurt, butter, and curd. The mechanisation significantly improved both quality and hygiene, making production more efficient.
A Reliable Source of Income
The plant now processes around 500 litres of milk daily during the summer months, collected from five chiwogs using a hired vehicle. Finished products are sold through a counter in Mongar town and supplied to schools and institutions like the Gyelsung Academy. This reliable market has given members a steady income, improving their families’ living standards.
“Since I started working, life has gotten better such as the living standard,” said Sonam Zangmo, 28, who uses her earnings to support her child’s education and household needs.
The enterprise has also shifted traditional household roles, with some husbands now taking on childcare and domestic duties, enabling their wives to focus on managing the business. This change has sparked conversations in the community about gender roles and women’s participation in economic activities.
Challenges Ahead
Despite its progress, the group faces hurdles. A shortage of suitable packaging, especially for curd, limits production capacity. Additionally, maintaining the machinery remains a challenge. “The machines are prone to getting damaged, and we are not able to repair as we don’t know how. If training are provided, we would be able to do it,” said Pema Zangmo, the chairperson of the group.
The women currently depend on external technicians for repairs, causing delays and reducing output. Access to maintenance training and a steady supply of packaging materials would help the group meet growing demand and operate more independently.
Looking to the Future
The collective hopes to expand its customer base beyond Mongar, aligning with CARLEP’s mission to strengthen rural supply chains and improve market access for producers. If successful, the group could secure a more stable income and a stronger presence in Bhutan’s dairy sector.
This women-led dairy plant demonstrates how access to resources, training, and institutional support can empower rural women to become active participants in local economies. For the five women managing the facility, it is not just a source of income but a symbol of resilience and progress in rural enterprise development.
