PHOBRANG: The Animal Husbandry Department, Ladakh, has distributed incentives and pelleted feed among equine rearers in Changthang, while calling for greater conservation and commercial utilisation of the region’s equine population to strengthen livestock-based livelihoods.
The outreach programme-cum-incentive distribution camp was organised at Phobrang by the Animal Husbandry Department in collaboration with ICAR–National Research Centre for Equine (NRCE), Bikaner, under the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP). A large number of equine rearers from Phobrang and adjoining villages participated.
Addressing the gathering, Livestock Development Officer Dr Tsewang Dorjay described the equine population as an integral part of Ladakh’s cultural heritage and urged farmers and other stakeholders to explore newer avenues for its utilisation.
Dorjay also outlined the department’s efforts to register livestock species and breeds, including the non-descript breeds found in Ladakh, with the stated objective of making Ladakh a “zero non-descript” Union Territory. He apprised farmers of schemes aimed at livestock conservation, promotion and livelihood generation.
The department also sought greater participation of youth and farmers in livestock farming, with Dorjay stressing the scope for value addition to livestock products. He pointed to the potential of yak and Ladakhi cattle products, including milk and fibre, for developing products such as cheese, butter and ghee.
He thanked ICAR-NRCE for supporting the department in extending incentives to equine rearers under the Tribal Sub-Plan.
Former Executive Councillor, LAHDC Leh, Konchok Stanzin urged young people to consider livestock as an avenue for employment and entrepreneurship. He called for expanded training for youth and entrepreneurs, along with stronger branding and marketing support for livestock products.
Stanzin also proposed exploring Geographical Indication (GI) recognition for distinctive yak products and sought registration and recognition of unique livestock breeds and species of the region, including the wild yak locally known as “Dong”.
Member of Phobrang Sonam Konchok called for development of community land for fodder production and measures to protect pastures through fencing and natural regeneration. He also sought subsidised horses for interested farmers.
Youth President of Phobrang Tsering Dorjay urged the department to extend further support for improving community pastures in the area.
The programme concluded with the distribution of pelleted feed among farmers, intended to support livestock rearers and reinforce livestock-based livelihoods in the Changthang region.
