ICAR-NRC on Yak Sets Up Arunachal Pradesh Yak Herders and Products Development Cooperative Society for Inclusive Growth

The ICAR-NRC on Yak has been instrumental in establishing the Arunachal Pradesh Yak Herders and Products Development Cooperative Society Ltd., which is a major step towards improving yak husbandry and the welfare of its stakeholders. This cooperative society, with a firm commitment from the nation's premier institute on Yak, aims to bring together all yak husbandry stakeholders, promote yak herders and products, and collaborate closely with the ICAR-NRC on Yak for comprehensive development.

Formation of the Cooperative Society

Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Mihir Sarkar, Director of ICAR-NRC on Yak, the institute has dedicated considerable efforts to form the Arunachal Pradesh Yak Herders and Products Development Cooperative Society. The society has identified four core objectives, including uniting all yak husbandry stakeholders, undertaking activities to boost yak herders and products, and working collaboratively with ICAR-NRC on Yak. This initiative holds a primary focus on advancing social inclusion within the Yak Brokpas community.

Initiation through Brainstorming Session

The inception of the cooperative society can be traced back to the Brainstorming Session on ‘Formation of Society for Yak Products Development,’ organized by ICAR-NRC on Yak on December 13, 2023. During this session, the yak Brokpas were enlightened on the broader aspects of a cooperative society by T.J. Lama, ARCS, Bomdila. Recognizing the need for a unified front with the support of NRCY, Dirang, the yak Brokpas embraced the idea of forming the society.

Formal Approval and Key Contributors

The proposed cooperative society received formal approval from the Office of the Registrar of Cooperative Society, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, through a notification on January 18, 2024. Dr. K. Mepfhuo, Scientist at ICAR-NRC-Yak, played a pivotal role as the Chief Promoter in the formation of the cooperative society. At present, the society boasts seventeen members, with plans to encompass all yak herders by the end of the year.

Focus Areas and Collaborative Efforts

The cooperative society, in collaboration with ICAR-NRC on Yak, will primarily concentrate on enhancing the behavioral aspects of yak herders and owners, encompassing knowledge, attitude, and skill development. Simultaneously, the society aims to spearhead the development and promotion of various yak products. Through these initiatives, the cooperative society aspires to elevate the socio-economic status of yak herders.

Adhering to democratic principles, the Arunachal Pradesh Yak Herders and Products Development Cooperative Society aspires to provide a platform where yak herders, the main stakeholders in this unique livestock enterprise, play a significant role as decision-makers. This approach aims to ensure the sustainable growth of yak husbandry in the future, marking a commendable step towards the holistic development of the Yak Brokpas community.