ICAR-NBAGR team initiated activity towards zero non-descript AnGR of Ladakh

ICAR-NBAGR team comprising of Dr BP Mishra, Director; Dr Manishi Mukesh, Principal Scientist, Dr Karanveer Singh, Senior Scientist; Dr KN Raja, Senior Scientist and Dr Mahesh Dige, Scientist visited Ladakh from 2^nd -8^th October, 2021 to initiate its mission towards Zero Non-Descript AnGR of Ladakh. The team visited various places in Changthang area to characterize indigenous shepherd dog population reared by Changpa nomads. The team interacted with nomads from Samdo, Zara, Kharnak, Korzok villages at an altitude of more than 14000-15000 ft. These nomads are rearing native dogs locally known as Chang-khi as watch dog to guard their livestock from wild animals. Chang-khi dog is a unique germplasm that could be registered in future as distinct dog population from Ladakh.

The team undertook field survey to characterize Malluck sheep and Malra goat as well, the two local non-descript populations of Ladakh. The team also visited India’s highest KVK (SKUAST) and Highland pastoral system research and extension station at Nyoma and interacted with its officials. The team had fruitful interaction with Sh. Ravinder Kumar (IAS), Secretary, Animal and Sheep Husbandry, Ladakh and officials of Animal/Sheep Husbandry. Director, ICAR-NBAGR elaborated the purpose of visit and emphasized the importance of zero non-descript mission for Leh-Ladakh.

The team also had an interaction with Adv. Tashi Gyalson, Hon’ble Chief Executive Councillor of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) and appraised him about the purpose and importance of characterization and documentation of AnGR of Ladakh region.