Tshomo, a 60-year-old farmer in Gomdar, contributed milk to the GONT dairy co-operative, demonstrating rural resilience and co-operation, despite not being a member. The co-operative, established with support from the dzongkhag administration, lacks a proper hall for meetings and administrative work, despite having solar power for electricity. In 2016, CARLEP revived a defunct cooperative, constructing a solar power system and milk collection center, ensuring financial transparency and providing 700 litres of milk daily to KIL. The cooperative has Nu 85,000 in a recurrent account for regular costs and Nu 700,000 in savings with the Bhutan Development Bank Limited.
A Bolero pickup picks up milk from members’ houses every morning between 4:30 and 11 a.m. According to Kezang Dawa, the solar panels that were put in six months ago have greatly reduced expenses. Gomdar Gewog administration focuses on local governance, hygienic milk production, and support services. 650 households, mainly elderly, grow sweet buckwheat, vegetables, and import Jersey cows and breeding bulls. With the help of CARLEP, Gomdar currently boasts 200 cow barns, one milk processing facility, and 20 milk collection centers. Under Gomdar’s “One Gewog, One Product” campaign, milk continues to be the headline product. KIL drivers have praised the quality of milk from GONT.