Yak reintroduction drive launched in Mechuka to boost tribal livelihoods in Arunachal ~ PARN HARIT

On April 3, 2026, a significant yak reintroduction drive was launched in the Mechuka block of the Shi-Yomi district, Arunachal Pradesh. Orchestrated by the ICAR-National Research Centre on Yak (NRCY), Dirang, the initiative aims to revive traditional high-altitude livestock practices that have seen a decline in recent years.

This move is part of a broader strategy to bolster tribal livelihoods, preserve cultural heritage, and tap into the growing potential for eco-tourism in the frontier regions of India.

Key Highlights of the Drive

The program was a collaborative effort involving the Jomlo Mongku Mithun Farmers Federation (JMMFF) and the State Animal Husbandry Department.

Distribution: Six high-quality yaks (four females and two males) were distributed to selected tribal farmers to serve as "seed stock" for future breeding.
Scientific Training: Over 45 local farmers participated in awareness sessions on scientific yak husbandry. This training covers modern breeding techniques, seasonal feed management, and disease prevention to ensure the animals thrive in harsh conditions.
Input Support: Farmers received essential supplies under the Scheduled Tribe Component (STC), aimed at reducing the initial cost burden of re-establishing herds.

Why the Reintroduction Matters for Livelihoods

In high-altitude regions like Mechuka (above 3,000 meters), conventional agriculture is extremely limited due to the climate and hypoxia. The yak is often called the "Almighty Livestock" by tribal communities because it provides a complete economic ecosystem:

Resource	Utility & Market Value
Dairy	Produces high-fat milk used for Chhurpi (traditional cheese), butter, and ghee. Note: Arunachali Yak Chhurpi recently received a GI Tag.
Meat	A primary source of protein for high-altitude communities, with high local demand.
Fibre/Wool	Used for making traditional clothing, tents, and rugs, preserving indigenous craftsmanship.
Logistics	Functions as a crucial pack animal for transporting goods across rugged, roadless terrain.
Tourism	Yak safaris and traditional "Brokpa" (herder) cultural experiences are major draws for eco-tourists in Mechuka.

The Strategic & Ecological Angle

Beyond economics, the return of the yak to Shi-Yomi has two critical implications:

National Security: Yaks are strategic assets for the Indian Army, serving as reliable pack animals in difficult border terrains where motorized vehicles cannot reach.
Environmental Balance: Traditional yak rearing follows a transhumance (seasonal migration) pattern. This natural grazing helps maintain the biodiversity of Himalayan alpine meadows and prevents the overgrowth of specific invasive plant species.
The drive is being implemented by ICAR-National Research Centre on Yak under the leadership of Director Mihir Sarkar, in collaboration with the Jomlo Mongku Mithun Farmers Federation and the state Animal Husbandry Department.
Officials described the initiative as a crucial intervention to not only conserve yak populations but also promote sustainable income generation in one of Arunachal Pradesh’s most remote and ecologically sensitive regions.
Officials said the programme also focused on capacity building, with around 45 farmers covered under awareness sessions on scientific yak rearing. The effort is supported through the Scheduled Tribe Component (STC), ensuring necessary inputs to improve productivity and sustain the initiative in the long run.

By integrating scientific management with traditional wisdom, this drive seeks to make yak rearing a remunerative and sustainable profession once again for the youth of Arunachal Pradesh.

PARN HARIT