Leh/ Dec 23:  Advisor Ladakh, Sh. Umang Narula convened a meeting to discuss various development issues related to Yak in Ladakh. The meeting was attended by Secretary Animal & Sheep Husbandry, Ravinder Kumar and Deputy Commissioner Leh, Sachin Kumar Vaishaya. Deputy Commissioner Kargil, Sh. Baseer-ul-Haq Choudhary, Chief Wildlife Warden Sajad Hussain Mufti, Director Industries, Moses Kunzang and Director Animal & Sheep Husbandry, Dr Raza Abass attended the meeting through Video Conference.

The issue of loss of Yak to attacks by wild animals was discussed in the meeting and the Chief Wildlife Warden informed that claims amounting to Rs 40 lacs have been verified and the payment of compensation to the herders is under process. The Advisor asked the department to ensure timely payment of compensation to the affected farmers.

The participants discussed value addition of products of Yak 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.

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The various products which can be made from Yak Wool were also discussed during the meeting and 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. The Advisor asked Secretary Animal & Sheep Husbandry to prepare an integrated plan for Yak Development in consultation with all stakeholders. It was decided that a team of officials and other stakeholders will be sent to Sikkim for capacity building and studying the best practices before formulating the plan.