Advisor Ladakh, Umang Narula asked Secretary Animal & Sheep Husbandry to prepare an integrated plan for Yak Development on December 23.

The plan will be prepared in consultation with all stakeholders. Also, a team of officials and other stakeholders will be sent to Sikkim for capacity building and studying the best practices before formulating the plan.

The issue of loss of Yak due to a wild animal attack was discussed in the meeting. Chief Wildlife Warden informed that claims amounting to ₹ 40 lakh have been verified and the payment of compensation to the herders is under process. 

Advisor asked the department to ensure timely payment of compensation to the affected farmers.
The participants discussed the value addition of products obtained from yaks such as milk, butter, and cheese through improved processing and marketing. It was also informed that the herders are being trained in the production of hard cheese using appropriate household-based technologies. 

Ravinder Kumar informed that the expertise of the National Dairy Development Board is being taken to assist the herders in the value addition of Yak milk. The Advisor asked the department to conduct training for hygienic production and packaging at the level of Self-Help Groups and aspiring entrepreneurs.
 
The various products which can be made from Yak Wool were also discussed during the meeting. It was informed that technical expertise for improving the quality of blankets, bags, and miniature toys being presently made from Yak Wool will be taken from specialized institutions.
 
The provision of feed pellets and fodder relief to herders during the winter months, setting up new yak farms for breed conservation and improvement was also discussed during the meeting.