Under mission towards zero non-descript AnGR, ICAR-NBAGR holds Vichar Gosthis and Awareness Camps with Ladakh farmers

Dr BP Mishra, Director and Dr Manishi Mukesh, Principal Scientist of ICAR-NBAGR visited Ladakh during 26 May- 2 June, 2022 and organized Vichar Gosthi and Awareness Camps in different regions of the Union Territory in collaboration of Animal Husbandry Department, Ladakh (UT). The Camps were organized on 28^th May in Khardung for Ladakhi cattle and yak farmers; on 29^th May in Hunder (Nubra valley) with double hump camel owners; and on 30^th May 2022 in Chibra – Khargyam with yak keepers and Pholonglay – Durbuk with Ladakhi cattle farmers. The farmers/livestock keepers were sensitized about importance of native animals which are well adapted to climate of high altitude and produce with least inputs. Farmers in each region were very enthusiastic by the registration of Ladakhi cattle by the Bureau and expressed their happiness about the various activities for its improvement and value addition. Farmers also shared livestock related issues with the scientists and shown interest to develop Breed Associations in the region.

Earlier Bureau’s scientists also met Sh. RK Mathur, Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh (UT) and Sh Tyashi Gyalson, Hon’ble Chief Executive Councilor, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh on 27 May 2022 and apprised them about characterization of native AnGR – cattle, yak, donkey, pony, dog of Ladakh done by the bureau in collaboration with local agencies. The dignitaries lauded the efforts of Bureau for Zero Non-descript AnGR mission in Ladakh and reiterated the full support to Bureau’s team to make the Ladakh as first Non-descript AnGR state/UT in the country.

Bureau’s scientists also met with Sh Ravinder Kumar, Secretary, Animal and Sheep Husbandry, UT Ladakh and appraised about the scientific accomplishments with respect to Ladakhi cattle, Yak and Zanskar ponies during past and the present activities under the Zero Non-descript AnGR Mission. Appreciated the efforts, he wished to make Ladakh as zero non-descript AnGR with concerted efforts. The team also met Ms Padma Ango, Secretary, Higher Education and Information, UT Ladakh and elucidated various activities initiated on Ladakh animal genetic resources and on-going zero ND mission. A meeting was also held to discuss implementation of activities under mission toward zero nondescript AnGR with officers of Animal/Sheep Husbandry Department, Ladakh on May 27, 2022. The meeting was attended by Dr Mohd Raza, Director, Animal Husbandry, UT Ladakh; Dr M Iqbal, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, Leh; officers and field functionaries at block level. Dr BP Mishra, Director, ICAR-NBAGR briefed about ongoing characterization and documentation of native Chang-khi dog, Ladakhi yak and Ladakhi donkey and urged all the delegates to actively participate in the Mission. Director, Animal Husbandry, UT Ladakh assured all possible support in conducting the field survey for achieving the mission goal in Ladakh. Animal Breeding Policy for Ladakh was also deliberated by the officers during the meeting.