The Department of Sheep Husbandry, Nyoma, conducted an awareness camp at Koyoul village under the Sheep Extension Centre (SEC) – Koyoul, in collaboration with the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR), Karnal, on March 25.

Dr. Mohd Sadiq, Assistant Director, Sheep Husbandry Department, Nyoma, educated the herders on the genetic importance of livestock and effective disease outbreak management. He also highlighted the significance of forming Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) for sheep and goat products, emphasizing how such initiatives can help streamline income-generating avenues for herders.

He further informed the villagers that, under the leadership of Dr. Iftikhar Hussain, Director, Sheep Husbandry Department, UT Ladakh, and in collaboration with LAHDC-Leh, the department has distributed 99 quintals of alfalfa dry fodder, 100 quintals of feed, and 10 tarpaulins among livestock herders under SEC-Koyoul. This distribution particularly considered the 10% most vulnerable population affected by the recent snowstorms in the region.

Councillor Ishey Spalzang shared his views on livestock rearing and appreciated the department’s efforts to reduce livestock mortality. He also stressed the need for forming FPOs, which he believes could greatly benefit livestock rearers, and encouraged breeders to actively participate in such initiatives.