ICAR-NRCY, Dirang Conducts Awareness Programmes for Yak Herders in Zangskar, UT Ladakh
Kargil, Nov 07, 2024: ICAR National Research Centre on Yak, Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh in a collaborative effort with the Animal Husbandry Department, Kargil, UT Ladakh conducted a series of awareness with STC supportive programmes in Raru and Tungri villages under Zangskar sub-division of Kargil to advance scientific yak husbandry practices in remote high-altitude areas of Ladakh. The ICAr-NRCY, Dirang team covered almost 2900 km far away to reached the location situated at an altitude of 4000 mtr above msl.
Both the programmes were carried out in Raru on 6th and Tungri on 7th November, 2024 to focused on equipping yak herders with essential knowledge and resources to enhance modern yak care, health management, and productivity allowing full community participation. Villagers, including many women, attended with enthusiasm, showing great interest in learning about scientific yak management practices.
The program highlighted key aspects of yak husbandry, including improved feeding techniques, breeding, and health protocols to increase herd productivity and resilience.
To support the herders practically, the organizers distributed essential supplies, including yak feed, mineral mixtures, medicines, tarpaulins, portable solar lights, gumboots, and other equipment from Schedule Tribe Component (STC) of ICAR-NRCY, Dirang. These provisions aim to improve the care and productivity of yaks under the challenging conditions faced in the high-altitude areas.
Prominent experts shared valuable insights, including Dr. Dinamani Medhi, Principal Scientist from ICAR-NRC Yak, Dirang, who presented advanced practices in yak feeding, breeding, and healthcare tailored to the region’s unique needs.
Dr. Mokhtar Hussain ACTO, ICAR-NRC yak briefed attendees on the department’s artificial insemination (AI) program, explaining how AI can help improve yak genetics and productivity. He also addressed critical topics such as disease prevention, vaccination schedules, and proper dosing practices to help the herders manage common health issues and maintain herd health.
Dr. Ashiq Hussain, Livestock Development Officer, Zanskar, addressed the audience with a special briefing on yak development in the region. He expressed concern over the declining yak population in Zanskar and emphasized the need for focused efforts to reverse this trend. Dr. Ashiq encouraged herders to prioritize sustainable practices to support the growth of the yak population, recognizing the animal’s vital role in local culture and economy.
Dr. Gulzar Hussain, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer (CAHO), Kargil, expressed his sincere gratitude to the ICAR-NRC Yak team for their commitment in reaching out to the far-flung areas of Zanskar. He thanked the Director of ICAR-NRC Yak, Dirang, on behalf of both the Animal Husbandry Department, Kargil, and the Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Fisheries, UT Ladakh, for making this valuable event possible. Dr. Hussain praised the team for their dedication in sharing insights and providing practical support to the yak herding community.
The Nambardars (village heads) of both Raru and Tungri villages expressed heartfelt thanks to Dr. Gulzar Hussain for his dedication and the Director, ICAR-NRCY, Dirang for the supportive measures of his araea.
The villagers also expressed appreciation and gratitude to the entire organizing team headed by Dr Medhi principal scientist ICAR-NRC Yak, Dirang and special thanks extended to Director, ICAR-NRC Yak for conducting such a fruitful programme and voiced their requests for continued training opportunities for yak herders.
They also requested hands-on training at ICAR-NRC Yak, Dirang, as well as support for value addition to yak products epecifically, the feed block-making machines and milk churnersto enhance the processing and marketability of yak milk and other products.
This awareness program stands as a testament to the shared commitment of ICAR-NRC Yak and the Animal Husbandry Department, Kargil, to promote sustainable livestock management practices. The event reflects a dedication to empowering the yak-herding communities with knowledge, resources, and modern tools to strengthen traditional livelihoods and improve productivity and resilience in the high-altitude regions of Ladakh.
