A meeting on the establishment of a sub-center National Research Center on Yak (NRCY) to carry out research and development on Yak was convened by L-G Mathur with the officials of Animal, Sheep Husbandry & Fisheries Department and Scientist of ‘ICAR-National Research Center on Yak (NRCY)’ Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh on August 24 at Raj Niwas.

LG Mathur suggested the ICAR-NRC teamwork in close collaboration with the Animal Husbandry department of Ladakh. He also suggested starting the research work and other development activities immediately from a rental building.

Apart from the aim of conservation and multiplication of the Yak population in Ladakh, L-G Mathur said that the focus of the research should also be on raising the income of the Yak herders and redressing the issues faced by them in terms of feed, breeding, and rising temperatures. He also spoke of the prospect of including yak rides and related activities in the tourism sector of Ladakh.
 
The team presented the statistics on yaks in Ladakh and also highlighted the scientific achievements of the NCRY in terms of producing the first yak calf through embryo transfer and also through OPU and IVF technologies.
 
They informed their newly developed technology where the coarse wool of the yak is used in making fine fibers and stated that the team intends to eventually transfer these modern technologies based on their research to the local herders.
 
LG Mathur appreciated the intention of their project and suggested that they draft a work plan, post a benchmark survey of various attributes involved.
 
The meeting was attended by Dr. AK Rawat, Former Adviser in the Department of Biotechnology, New Delhi; Dr. V. Paul, Principal Scientist ICAR-NRCY Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh; Dr. P.Chakravarti, Former Principal Scientist ICAR-NRCY and Dr. M. Raza Director, Animal, Sheep Husbandry & Fisheries Department of Ladakh.