Photo Courtesy: nenow
Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu wants a concrete plan to save yaks and boost the income of herders. He spoke at the Yak Economy Summit 2026 and Yak Mela in Mago, Tawang district. Yak rearing remains vital for the social and cultural identity of the Himalayas. The region stretches from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh.
Khandu emphasized the necessity of backing these remote communities. "From the perspective of national security, it is our duty to support our Brokpa communities and yak herders through appropriate policy interventions," he said. He pushed for a formal roadmap to be finalized within three months. This plan will identify how state and central governments can help.
The state aims to map yak populations and seasonal movements across summer and winter camps. Officials want to organize herders into the Arunachal Pradesh Yak Herders and Products Development Cooperative Society. This group would help farmers pool resources and increase bargaining power. The initiative involves the Army and the ICAR-National Research Centre on Yak. It aims to use scientific, semi-intensive rearing methods.
Khandu flagged the commercial potential of yak dairy products. He believes yak cheese and ghee can beat established brands. He also proposed a Brokpa-friendly tax policy for winter grazing. Future plans include a bankable farming scheme and a dedicated yak insurance policy. Authorities also want to link herders with the Vibrant Villages Programme to boost tourism, including cottage stays and guiding services. The government is even considering special-category status for the Brokpa and Puroik communities.
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