ICAR-NRC on Yak organizes a Programme for Yak herders of North Sikkim

30^th to 31^st May, 2019, Mangan

The ICAR-National Research Centre on Yak, Dirang, Sikkim organized a programme to provide the “Farmers of Muguthang, Dongkong and adjoining areas of Lachen and Lachung area under Chungthang sub-division in North Sikkim with an immediate aid for their survived Yaks” from 30^th to 31^st May, 2019.

The programme was organized in collaboration with the Department of Animal Husbandry, Livestock, Fisheries and Veterinary Services, Government of Sikkim and ICAR-National Organic Farming Research Institute, Tadong, Gangtok under the Tribal Sub-plan and AICRP on FMD programme of the institute.

While expressing concern of ICAR and his grief on loss of their yaks, Dr. P. Chakravarty, Director, ICAR-National Research Centre on Yaks assured the help and assistance in overcoming such eventualities in the future. He also ensured for enhancing the farmers’ economic upliftment through the yak husbandry by the adoption of technologies.

The various specialists briefed on the importance of various nutritional and healthcare interventions need to be adopted, particularly during the crisis and also for the improvement of Yaks.

Most of the farmers were worst affected with the loss of their yaks due to starvation during unprecedented heavy & continuous snowfall during January to May, 2019. During the programme, the farmers were provided with the basic amenities like tent, concentrate feed, salt, veterinary medicines including vaccines for FMD. Besides, the important implements like chaff cutter, silage bags and cream separators were also provided to help overcome crisis during the winter.

An interactive meeting was held with the affected farmers of the region during the programme.

The District Administration and AHLF&VS Department stated about the monitoring of the situation and taking the remedial measures including the release of permissible ex-gratia payment to the affected farmers.

A total of 56 Yak herders attended the programmes and appreciated the efforts and support of ICAR-NRC on Yak.

(Source: ICAR-National Research Centre on Yak, Dirang, Sikkim)