Initiative of ICAR on Yak death in Sikkim: Govt programme to harsh winter affected yak herders of North Sikkim

PIB, KalimNews, Gangtok 5th June 2019: In an immediate measures to aid the farmers of Muguthang, Dongkong and adjoining areas of Lachen and Lachung area under Chungthang sub-division in North Sikkim for their survived yaks, ICAR-National Research Centre on Yak, Dirang organized a programme in collaboration with Department of Animal Husbandry, Livestock, Fisheries and Veterinary Services, Govt. of Sikkim and ICAR-National Organic Farming Research Institute, Tadong, Gangtok on 30th and 31st May, 2019. 

Most of the farmers were worst affected as they lost their many yaks due to starvation during unprecedented heavy & continuous snowfall during January to May, 2019. 

The farmers were provided with basic amenities like tent, concentrate feed, salt, veterinary medicines including vaccines for FMD. Besides, important implements like chaff cutter, silage bags and cream separators were also provided to help overcome crisis during winter. 

The programme was conducted on 30th and 31st May’2019 under Tribal Sub-plan and AICRP on FMD programme of the institute. An interactive meeting was held with the affected farmers of the region which was chaired by Dr P. Chakravarty, Director, ICAR-NRC on Yak, Dirang with his team in presence of Addl. Director, Dr. Karma T. Bhutia, Dept. of AHLF&VS, Mangan with his staff, Sikkim,Sub-Divisonal Magistrate, Mr. Subhash Ghimirey, SDM, Chungthang, Mr. B.B.Subba, MD, North District Co-operative Milk Producers Union Ltd. Mr. Buddhahang Limboo, DIO, North District and Dr. Rafiqul Islam, Principal Scientist, ICAR-NOFRI, Tadong. 

While expressing concern of ICAR and his grief on loss of their yaks, Dr. P. Chakravarty, Director, ICAR-NRCY assured help and assistance in overcoming such eventualities in future and to enhance their economic upliftment through yak husbandry by adopting technologies. Dr. Dinamani Medhi, Senior Scientist cum in-charge Extension, Dr. Juwar Doley, Scientist, Officer in Charge, FMD of the institute and Dr. Rafiqul Islam, Principal Scientist, ICAR-NOFRI, Tadong briefed them on the importance of various nutritional and healthcare interventions to be adopted, particularly during crisis, and also for improvement of their yaks. 

The district administration and AHLF&VS department informed the gathering about monitoring of the situation and on taking remedial measures including the release of permissible ex-gratia payment to the affected farmers. 

 ICAR-NRC on Yak in consultation with AHLF&VS, Govt of Sikkim would arrange such programmes in future for farmers of the region towards mitigating future crisis. 

A total of 56 nos. of yak herders attended the programmes and appreciated the efforts and support of ICAR-NRC on Yak.