Inter-Institutional Collaborative Program On Sustainable Yak Husbandry Organized At ICAR-NOFRI
Observing the importance of yak in the livelihood security of high altitude farmers (Dokpas), ICAR-National Organic Farming Research Institute, Tadong, Gangtok; ICAR-National Research Centre on Yak, Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh and Department of Animal Husbandry, Livestock, Fisheries & Veterinary Services, Govt. of Sikkim jointly organized Inter-Institutional Collaborative Program on ‘Sustainable Yak Husbandry in Sikkim through Agri-Horti Technology Dissemination and Input Support’ for the Dokpas (Yak Herders) of Muguthang, North Sikkim (4550 m amsl).
Dr R. K. Avasthe, Joint Director, ICAR-NOFRI inaugurating the program, shared his experiences in his opening remark about his visit to Muguthang way back in 1995 and narrated that then were 36 Dokpas families while presently only eight families are rearing yak. Serious concern was raised on the decreasing yak population and lack of interest in the younger generation in yak husbandry. Further, he appreciated the efforts of ICAR-NRC on Yak and conveyed the heartfelt gratitude to Dr. S.M. Deb, Director, ICAR-NRC on Yak for providing input viz., yak feed, basic amenities and veterinary medicines for yak herders of Sikkim. Further, he exhorted the Dokpas of Muguthang to learn the technologies of wool and milk processing and product value addition to make yak husbandry more remunerative that can increase the potential to retain youth in yak husbandry.
Dr. Vijay Paul, Senior Scientist, ICAR-NRC on Yak briefed about the activities and technologies developed by NRC on Yak especially on wool processing and value added products like yak wool jacket, file folders and other products. He also explained the method of making functional yak paneer.
Dr. Sourabh Deori, Scientist, Animal Reproduction, ICAR-NRC on Yak informed the House that 150 doses of superior quality semen for artificial insemination will be introduced for the first time in Sikkim to curb the widely prevalent inbreeding and encouraged the scientists of ICAR-NOFRI and Department of A.H.L.F. & V.S. to undertake artificial insemination under field condition to boost yak production and performance.
During the Farmers-Scientists and State Department Interaction it was decided to develop high value products from yak viz., fabrics from coarse hairs, cheese, butter, ghee etc. and develop local brand with organic certification for precious yak organic products which shall not only bring remunerative price for the Dokpas of Sikkim but will also help the farmers of Sikkim to capture the market in the country and globally.The programme was attended by Dr. Sonam Dicky Lepcha and Mr. Passang Bhutia from the Department of AH, L, F and V.S., Govt. of Sikkim. Various inputs like feed, medicine, agri-inputs and basic amenities were distributed among the Dokpas of Muguthang. The inputs will also be distributed to the yak herders in the high altitudes of East and North Sikkim this week.
The programme was coordinated by Dr. Brijesh Kumar and vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. R. Islam.
Dr. R.K. Avasthe, Joint Director, ICAR-NOFRI addressing during program Joint Director, ICAR-NOFRI distributing input during program
Joint Director, ICAR-NOFRI along with Dokpas, Scientists and State Officials Issued by: ICAR-NOFRI
