ICAR-NRC on Yak organised Yak mela to promote yak farming
Dirang, Nov. 16 : ICAR-National Research Centre on Yak (NRCY), Dirang organized 5th Yak Mela at Tom Hill, Nyukmadung located at above 10,000 ft above msl, inhabited by the tribal yak rearers of the state in the remote village of West Kameng District of Arunachal Pradesh to promote yak rearing and conservation as well as the scientific yak farming in the country. Yak Mela was organized in collaboration with ICAR-NIRJAFT, Kolkata, Indian Army (XXII Mahar Regiment), 4th ITBP, 30th Bn. SSB, NIMAS, A.H. & Vety. Department, Krishi Vigyan Kendra and district administration of Dirang circle.
During the programme prizes were given for best brokpa of the year (yak farmer) and exhibition stall exhibited by the brokpas among yak farmers to encourage yak rearing community for adoption of scientific yak husbandry practices.
ICAR-NRC on Yak, the sole institute worldwide for exclusive research on yak, has been in service to double the income of yak farmers through technology adoption, and supported 150 farmers each with 19 nos. of basic amenities like tent, tarpaulin, complete feed blocks, concentrate feed for yaks, mineral mixture, first aid kits for human and animals, solar lantern, rain coat, gum boot etc. in the 5th yak mela. On the occasion, the institute also demonstrated different technologies developed by the institute to promote entrepreneurship among the youth of the state.
Other organizations like Krishi Vigyan Kendra, National Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports, ITBP, SSB, Dirang also showcased their activities during the mela. The programme was graced by Shri Phurpa Tsering, Hon’ble MLA as Chief Guest. In his inaugural address the Chief Guest appealed to the brokpas (yak farmers) to find out the solutions for major problems with yak husbandry in consultation with the Scientists of ICAR-NRC on Yak. He also emphasized on the importance of yak in the economy of the highlanders and tradition of the community. Guest of Honour, Brig. Pratap Mallick, 5 Artillery Brigade, Tenga, appreciated the efforts of ICAR-NRC on Yak and asked to provide full co-operation to collaborate with the institute to support yak farming in the country. He appreciated the efforts of ICAR-NRC on Yak for promoting and highlighting scientific yak husbandry practices and conducting the Yak Mela regularly as well as supporting the brokpas (yak farmers) by giving basic amenities and other facilities from time to time.
Dr. P. Chakravarty, Director, ICAR-NRC on Yak highlighted the objective of the Yak Mela that aims to promote scientific yak husbandry practices in the country. The programme was also graced by Dr. A.N. Roy, Director, ICAR-NIRJAFT, Kolkata, Mr. Toko Babu, ADC, Dirang, Military & Paramilitary officers, professors of College of Veterinary Science, AAU along with all the HoDs of Dirang circle. More than five hundred yak farmers of different pockets of West Kameng District participated in the Mela.
