To advance scientific yak husbandry practices in remote, high-altitude areas of Ladakh, an awareness program was held on November 6 in the villages of Raru and Tungri, Zanskar.

The event was jointly organized by the ICAR National Research Centre on Yak (NRC-Yak), Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh, and the Animal Husbandry Department, Kargil, UT Ladakh. It aimed to equip yak herders with essential knowledge and resources to enhance modern yak care, health management, and productivity.
The program unfolded over two sessions: the morning session in Raru and the afternoon session in Tungri, maximizing community participation. Villagers, including a significant number of women, attended with enthusiasm, showing keen interest in learning about scientific yak management practices.

Key aspects of yak husbandry were highlighted, such as improved feeding techniques, breeding, and health protocols aimed at boosting herd productivity and resilience.
To provide practical support, the organizers distributed essential supplies, including yak feed, mineral mixtures, medicines, tarpaulins, portable lights, gumboots, and other equipment, helping herders manage their livestock under challenging high-altitude conditions.

The program featured insights from prominent experts, including Dr. Dinamani Medhi, Principal Scientist at ICAR-NRC Yak, Dirang, who presented advanced practices in yak feeding, breeding, and healthcare tailored to the region’s needs. Dr. Mokhtar Hussain, ACTO, NRC Yak, explained the department’s artificial insemination (AI) program, emphasizing its potential to improve yak genetics and productivity. He also covered disease prevention, vaccination schedules, and proper dosing practices to help herders manage common health issues and maintain herd health.

Dr. Ashiq Hussain, Livestock Development Officer, Zanskar, spoke on yak development in the region, expressing concern over the declining yak population in Zanskar and underscoring the need for sustainable practices to support population growth, acknowledging the yak’s vital role in local culture and the economy.

Dr. Gulzar Hussain, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer (CAHO), Kargil, extended his sincere gratitude to the ICAR-NRC Yak team for their commitment to reaching the far-flung areas of Zanskar. He thanked the Director of ICAR-NRC Yak, Dirang, on behalf of both the Animal Husbandry Department, Kargil, and the Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Fisheries, UT Ladakh, for making the event possible. Dr. Hussain praised the team’s dedication to sharing insights and providing practical support to the yak-herding community.

The Nambardars (village heads) of Raru and Tungri expressed heartfelt thanks to Dr. Gulzar Hussain for his dedication and regular visits to this remote region. They noted his ongoing commitment to uplifting yak herding farmers in Zanskar and acknowledged the invaluable support he provides in addressing the unique challenges faced by these communities.

Villagers also expressed their appreciation to the entire organizing team, headed by Dr. Medhi, Principal Scientist, NRC Yak Dirang, with special thanks extended to the Director of NRC Yak. They requested further training opportunities for yak herders, including hands-on training at ICAR-NRC Yak, Dirang, and support for value addition to yak products. The herders specifically highlighted the need for feed block-making machines and milk churners, which would aid in the processing and marketing of yak milk and other products.

This awareness program exemplifies the shared commitment of ICAR-NRC Yak and the Animal Husbandry Department, Kargil, to promote sustainable livestock management practices. It reflects a dedication to empowering yak-herding communities with the knowledge, resources, and modern tools needed to strengthen traditional livelihoods, improve productivity, and enhance resilience in Ladakh's high-altitude regions.