An awareness-cum-technology demonstration programme aimed at supporting tribal yak herders was conducted on Wednesday at Chuna Grazing Ground in Mago. The initiative was jointly organized by the ICAR-National Research Centre on Yak (NRC-Yak), Dirang, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Tawang, and the Indian Army under the aegis of the Baisakhi Brigade.

The programme was attended by ADC Jang Hakraso Kri, Brigadier Rahul Mishra, Commander of the Baisakhi Brigade, the Commanding Officer of Mago Battalion, Assistant Commissioner of Thingbu Thutan Wangchu, DVO Tawang Dr. Avang Tamin, Principal Scientist of NRC-Yak Dr. Dinamani Medhi, along with senior scientists, departmental officials, and villagers from Mago and Luguthang.

A total of 125 Brokpas (traditional yak herders) participated in the event. During the technical session, Dr. Medhi provided guidance on value addition of yak products, vaccination protocols, nutrient management, and the adoption of semi-intensive yak rearing systems. He also raised awareness about major yak diseases such as Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Black Quarter (BQ), Hemorrhagic Septicemia (HS), and parasitic infections.

As part of the outreach effort, NRC-Yak distributed essential supplies to the herders, including animal feed, salt, tarpaulins, gumboots, solar lights, and veterinary medicines. Field samples were also collected under the Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) project to enhance genetic research on yaks.

The programme highlighted the joint commitment of NRC-Yak, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, and the Indian Army to uplift and support the livelihood of tribal yak herders in high-altitude regions.