Bio-diversity

Gomdar Gewog is one of the remote Gewogs in Samdrupjongkhar District comprising of 20 villages and 611 households. The Gewog is estimated to have estimated population of about 3400 respectively. Most of the farms are found between elevations of 1000 to 2100 meter above sea level. The varied agro-ecological zone has favored development of rich diversity of crop and animal genetic resources. This rich agro-biodiversity has been conserved and sustainably utilized for livelihoods since time immemorial. The poor accessibility to the Gewog until recently has contributed immensely to the conservation of agro-biodiversity. The Gewog currently is linked by motorable road. As a result, production systems are fast changing from subsistence to market driven production. Farmers are increasingly going for a high yielding varieties and breeds and some components of agro-biodiversity are reported to be declining rapidly. One of such commodity requiring immediate actions is Saphab (indigenous pig breed). Gomdar Gewog which once had every household rearing Saphab is now left with only five households in to Saphab farming. Saphab is one of the two traditional breeds of pig found in Bhutan. They are appreciated for resistance to pest and diseases, easiness to feed and for producing small but good quality meat. Saphabs are also considered endangered at the national level. Overall, the population of Saphab is estimated to constitute less than 50 per cent of reported 12,073 heads in Livestock Statistics of 2011. In addition, Saphabs are also found in Udzorong under Tashigang and Chimung in Pemagatshel. The Saphabs of these regions represent important within breed diversity of Saphab and within breed genetic diversity is invaluable as a tool for mitigation and adaptations to effects of climate change beside breed improvement programs. Concerned by rapid rate of decline, risk of extinction of Saphab breed and possible loss of their tradition of pig farming in near future, the last five Saphab farming households has come forth in conservation and sustainable utilization of Saphab genetic resources. Thus, a group Gomdar Saphab Nyamsung Dang Laglen Tshogpa was formed in 2012 for conservation and sustainable utilization of Saphab pig genetic resources through innovative ways such as value addition, niche product development and marketing taking advantage of the road linkage of the Gewog to Samdrup Jongkhar- Tashigang high way.

Bhutan