TAWANG, SEP 25:

An Artificial Insemination (AI) programme for yaks and cattle was conducted by the Indian Army in collaboration with the ICAR-National Research Centre on Yak (NRC-Yak), Dirang, Department of Animal Husbandry, Veterinary & Dairy Development and Tawang district administration at Tsachin near Bumla, Kumrotser near Taktsang Gonpa and Mera GG towards Chema.

The initiative aims to improve the genetic quality and productivity of yaks and address inbreeding depression, which can adversely affect traits such as body size, milk production and disease resistance.

The programme is expected to contribute to healthier and more productive yak herds and support efforts to increase the yak population in Tawang district.

Principal Scientist Dr Vijay Paul and Dr Mukhtar of NRC-Yak, the Officer Commanding (OC) of the Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC), Tawang, and veterinarians from the Department of Animal Husbandry, Veterinary & Dairy Development participated in the AI process.

District Veterinary Officer Tawang Dr Thuptan Tashi appealed to Brokpas and yak herders to avail themselves of the facility. He said AI involves considerable cost for individual herders, but the present initiative is being provided free of cost with the support of the Indian Army.

Tashi said wider adoption of scientific breeding practices would help improve the health, productivity and population of yaks while supporting the traditional yak-rearing livelihood of the Brokpa community.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Tawang Rinchin Leta, Commanding Officer Lungrola Battalion, Assistant Commissioner Nawang Thutan, DVO Dr Thuptan Tashi, DHO Koncho Gyatso, Veterinary Officer Dr Sang Khandu and Registering Officer APB & OCWWB Phurpa Tsering attended the programme at Tsachin.

The initiative reflects collaboration among the Indian Army, scientific institutions, district administration and line departments to promote scientific livestock management and support yak herders in the high-altitude areas of Tawang.