In a significant push towards strengthening the rural economy and promoting sustainable dairy farming, the Animal Husbandry Department, Leh, launched the “One Household, One Cow – Empowering Sustainable Rural Livelihoods” scheme with the distribution of 40 cross-bred Jersey cows and heifers. The launch event was held at the Bull Mother Farm, Agling on June 12.

The initiative offers a substantial 90% subsidy on each cow and aims to distribute a total of 150 cows in its initial phase. The first batch of 40 cows was handed over to selected beneficiaries from across Leh district.

Executive Councillor Tashi Namgyal Yakzee highlighted the recent signing of a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), Gujarat, marking a collaborative effort to enhance dairy development in the region. He also appreciated the veterinary team for their meticulous selection and health evaluation of the distributed cows.

Dr. Mohd Ismail, Director, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Department, UT Ladakh, emphasized that the core objective of the scheme is to empower farmers and ensure their long-term economic sustainability.

Dr. Stanzin Rabgyas, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, elaborated on the scheme’s potential to uplift rural households, particularly women homemakers, by enabling them to earn an income through dairy production and sales. He noted that this financial independence would contribute to broader socio-economic development in Ladakh.

Dr. Rabgyas also informed beneficiaries about the dedicated 1962 call center, which allows farmers to request doorstep veterinary services and health check-ups for their livestock.

The event was attended by key dignitaries, including Councillor Phyang, Tundup Nurboo Cheeta, and Councillor Basgo, Tsewang Nurboo, alongside departmental officers, officials, and enthusiastic beneficiaries from various villages.

The “One Household, One Cow” scheme is envisioned as a transformative step toward building a resilient, self-reliant, and prosperous dairy sector in Ladakh, offering new opportunities for rural families to thrive economically and sustainably.