May 21, 2026
THIMPHU – The government has initiated measures to address growing concerns in the piggery sector amid reports of market distortions, rising pork prices, and accessibility challenges.
The current issues in piggery farming cannot be attributed entirely to overproduction of pork in the country.
One of the reasons is market distortion, whereby some farmers tend to hoard pork to create artificial demand and sell it at higher prices.
The Agriculture and Livestock Minister was responding to a question raised by Sergithang–Tsirang Toed’s Member of Parliament (MP), Lhakpa Tshering Tamang, who questioned the government on what measures were being planned to protect pig farmers from financial losses caused by unsold pork.
Out of 66,440 households dependent on agriculture across the country, 4,376 households were engaged in piggery and relied on earnings from the sector.
The MP also asked whether livestock farming, particularly piggery, could continue to remain a viable and sustainable livelihood option if market challenges persisted.
He said farmers in Tsirang had strong potential for pork production, but many had been left in financial distress, particularly those who had taken out loans to invest in pig farming.
“Currently, Tsirang is facing problems with piggery,” he said, adding that the challenges were not limited to Tsirang alone but were also affecting farmers in Samtse, Sarpang, Dagana, Chukha and Samdrupjongkhar.
Piggery was practised in 18 dzongkhags, with only two dzongkhags in the country not involved in pig farming.
Agriculture and Livestock Minister, Younten Phuntsho informed the house that the ministry planned to strengthen support for livestock businesses through Bhutan Livestock Development Corporation Limited within a week.
“We have plans to support products around 800 metric tonnes, with a cost of Nu 33 million to support it,” Lyonpo said, adding that the products were also being marketed directly through shops and businesses.
The domestic sale of meat products in the country was valued at nearly Nu 4 billion, presenting opportunities not only for pork producers but also for the wider livestock sector. The government will continue to support private initiatives in livestock production and marketing.
MP also asked whether the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock had plans to establish cold storage facilities or meat processing centres in southern Bhutan to help farmers preserve and market pork products more effectively.
On the issue of cold storage facilities, the ministry said it was currently utilising existing infrastructure and would assess the need for additional facilities in the future.
“If there is ever a need for more, we will plan accordingly,” Lyonpo said.
The government was cautious about investing in new infrastructure that could later remain underutilised and result in financial losses.
“To ensure that the meat products sold within the country are affordable for consumers while the ministry supports and protects our farmers at the same time,” Lyonpo said.