Ms. Rinzin Pem’s Journey to Dairy Farming Triumph

Rinzin Pem, residing in the small village of Dawakha, Paro, embarked on a transformative journey as a dairy farmer. Having to look after the family she chose dairy farming to earn income and support her family.

In 2021, she sought a financial boost from Tarayana Micro Finance, securing a loan of Nu. 130,000 to buy hybrid Jersey cows that provided more milk than local cows. Before the infusion of funds, Rinzin operated with only two local cows, producing a decent quantity of milk. However, the addition of Jersey cows brought about a significant upswing in milk production, with each Jersey cow contributing around 15 liters of milk per day. The loan not only facilitated the acquisition of these new cows but also empowered Rinz into diversify her diary offerings. She learned to produce cheese and butter, broadening the scope of her business.

Rinzin broadened her horizon by partnering with outlets. She said, “I was able to explore the market and find a reliable buyer. I partnered with an outlet from Thimphu that bought milk from me at Nu. 55/- per liter. This reduced the traveling cost and the hassle of finding customers. I was able to earn around Nu 30,000 to 50,000 as net profit from selling milk and other dairy products. The loan from Tarayana Micro Finance has also improved my financial empowerment and livelihood”.

“I was able to repay the loan on time and also save some money for my family. I used the money to buy a smartphone and a desktop for my children to study online during the pandemic. I also helped them with their school fees and other expenses. My children are doing well in their studies, and I am proud of them. However, my dairy farming journey has not been without challenges. Due to an outbreak of a disease among cows, I lost one of my Jersey cows. This was a significant loss for me and greatly hampered my income.

I was disheartened by this misfortune. I also faced some difficulties in taking care of the remaining cows and maintaining the hygiene of the farm. But Tarayana Micro Finance supported me when I couldn’t pay on time. They supported me emotionally and financially. They encouraged me to keep working hard and not give up. Tarayana Micro Finance provided me time for repayments of the loan and that reduced the additional stress on my shoulders”, she adds.

With Tarayana Micro Finance’s understanding and flexibility in loan repayments, coupled with the knowledge that she gained from productivity workshops facilitated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Rinzin overcame the challenges and sustained her dairy farming. Currently, she owns three cows and sustains her livelihood through the production of milk. Rinzin has a large family, all of whom are young. Looking ahead, she plans to apply for another loan to further expand her farm by acquiring more cows and hopes to become a successful dairy farmer and provide a better life for her family.