TAWANG, 13 Mar: Dirang (W/Kameng)-based National Research Centre on Yak (NRCY), in collaboration with the district Kisan Morcha here, organised an awareness programme on ‘Integrated highland livestock farming’ at Kyidphel on Friday.
The programme focused on strengthening sustainable yak rearing practices and supporting the livelihood of the Brokpa community through agri-cum-livestock input distribution. It benefitted around 200 Brokpas who were provided with essential livestock inputs, including concentrated livestock feed, minerals and vitamin supplements, and basic veterinary medicines aimed at improving yak health and productivity.
During the programme, NRCY principal scientist Dr Dinamani Medhi conducted an awareness session on scientific rearing of yak. He highlighted the importance of adopting modern technologies such as artificial insemination to improve breeding efficiency and reduce the economic burden of maintaining breeding bulls within herds.
Addressing the gathering, All Arunachal Yak Herders Association president Sang Dorjee appreciated the initiatives taken by the government for the welfare of the Brokpa community. He emphasised the need to form dairy cooperative societies to strengthen marketing and collective growth.
Sharing his experiences in yak rearing, Dorjee encouraged the community to adopt modern and improved livestock management practices.
Senior Veterinary Officer Dr Thupten Tashi spoke about the concept of yak sedentarisation, drawing reference to the yak farm in Nyukmadung in Dirang. He explained that such initiatives can reduce the hardships associated with the traditional transhumance system of yak rearing. He also stressed the importance of regular vaccination to protect livestock from diseases such as foot and mouth disease, brucellosis, haemorrhagic septicaemia and black quarter.
Speaking on behalf of the district administration, Assistant Commissioner Sange Norbu expressed appreciation for the NRCY and the veterinary department for their continued efforts in conserving yak populations. He noted that without such initiatives, this important animal could become a thing of the past for future generations.
He called for stronger collaboration between government departments and local communities, and also encouraged the veterinary department to create more awareness among Brokpas about artificial insemination in dairy animals.
Kyidphel ZPM Tenzin Monpa urged the Brokpa community to adopt modern livestock rearing techniques while continuing their role as custodians of the valuable yak population. He encouraged farmers to promote organic farming practices and focus on value addition of dairy products such as ghee, churpi, paneer and curd. Such initiatives, he noted, would help increase income and contribute towards the government’s vision of doubling farmers’ income.
District Kisan Morcha president Tsering Dondup also spoke. (DIPRO)
