Department of Animal Science

I am an academician specializing in sustainable livestock farming, with a strong focus on animal welfare, aligned with both the UNs Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Bhutan’s development philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH). I am currently working at the Department of Animal Science, College of Natural Resources, Royal University of Bhutan, the nation’s only institution producing agricultural and livestock extensionists who serve across rural Bhutan as development agents, researchers, and entrepreneurs. My academic and professional journey, particularly during my PhD, involved extensive engagement with yak-based farming communities and the welfare assessment of free-ranging yaks in Bhutan’s highland ecosystems. This experience deepened my commitment to advancing livestock systems that are not only productive and sustainable but also ethically grounded in animal welfare and environmentally sound practices. I strive to contribute to GNH values, particularly in promoting ecological sustainability, equitable socio-economic development, and the preservation of Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage through traditional livestock systems and conservation of local genetic resources. I am dedicated to reskilling and upskilling future livestock professionals to meet emerging challenges in agriculture and food security. Also, I aim to develop and deliver short courses in animal welfare assessments, empowering practitioners and farmers to adopt more sustainable and ethical livestock management practices. Through international collaborations and interdisciplinary research, I seek to integrate diverse global perspectives into the Bhutanese context, while contributing to policy, education, and development that honor both global commitments and national aspirations rooted in GNH.