Without a separate shed and space, Domkhar milk-processing unit in Kanglung, Trashigang has struggled to sell products and maintain cleanliness.

The unit is operated as a cooperative and functions from the chairman’s temporary shed located above the Kanglung-Trashigang highway.

The group received orders from the dzongkhag administration to dismantle the hut a few months ago, as it is among the houses constructed illegally along the highway.

Chairman of the group, Dechen Wangdi, said the group is in need of space to construct a shed.

He said they requested the gewog administration to provide them with government land on lease or to allow them to operate from the gewog’s potato store in Ashamdrelo, which is not used. “We have not received any response.”

Group members said they tried to rent a house but it was expensive for the group. “We had to shift to the hut,” a member, Tashi Namgyel said.

They say if not for the lack of shed, the business is doing well. They also sell butter and cheese to schools, residents of Khaling, Samdrupjongkhar and Martshala.

Another member, Tenzin Wangmo, said the group earns Nu 12,000 from cheese and Nu 14,000 from butter. “We are saving Nu 52,500 annually.”

The group has 29 members and they are from Manthung, Redung Goenpa and mostly from Retsangdung village.

Residents sell a litre of milk to the group for Nu. 35

Kanglung gup, Kinzang Dorji, said the gewog doesn’t have the authority to give government land on lease. “We instructed the group to look for private land.”

He said Rongthung Milk Production unit has bought private land and has earned Nu 130,000. “Domkhar Milk Production group also has the capacity to buy private land.”

Neten Dorji  | Kanglung