The Animal Husbandry Department, UT Ladakh, in collaboration with the ICAR–Central Institute for Research on Cattle (ICAR-CIRC), Meerut, successfully organised an Outreach Programme-cum-Incentive Distribution Camp for cattle rearers of UT Ladakh under the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) at Leh on June 13.

The programme witnessed participation from a large number of cattle rearers from various parts of Leh district and was attended by Dr. Mohd. Ismail, Director, Animal Husbandry Department, UT Ladakh; Dr. Naresh Prasad, Senior Scientist, ICAR-CIRC, Meerut; Dr. Stanzin Rabgais, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, Leh; along with officers, officials of the department and other stakeholders associated with livestock development in the region.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Stanzin Rabgais highlighted the importance of adopting advanced reproductive technologies such as Artificial Insemination (AI) and other assisted breeding interventions to enhance livestock productivity and genetic potential. He emphasised that scientific livestock management holds special significance in Ladakh due to limited vegetation and scarce feed resources, making it essential to maximise productivity from available livestock resources.

Dr. Mohd. Ismail, Director, Animal Husbandry Department, UT Ladakh, underscored the importance of animal welfare and responsible livestock management. Emphasising the economic benefits associated with livestock rearing, he urged farmers to ensure proper care, health and welfare of their animals while actively collaborating with the department in implementing various developmental schemes and programmes. He encouraged livestock rearers to adopt proven scientific practices and technologies being successfully promoted in Ladakh. He also called upon progressive farmers to become ambassadors of change by sharing their experiences and creating awareness among fellow rearers about improved breeding, nutrition, healthcare and modern husbandry practices for enhancing productivity and livelihoods.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Naresh Prasad, Senior Scientist, ICAR-CIRC, stressed the importance of scientific livestock management practices, including balanced nutrition, genetic improvement through selective breeding, disease prevention and proper animal husbandry. He highlighted that scientific interventions are essential for improving livestock productivity and strengthening the livelihoods of cattle rearers under the challenging agro-climatic conditions of Ladakh. He assured continued technical support and collaboration from ICAR-CIRC for the welfare and development of cattle farmers in the Union Territory.

During the programme, departmental expert Dr. Shakil Ahmad delivered technical sessions on animal nutrition, breeding management, healthcare, reproductive technologies and livestock-based entrepreneurship. Farmers were sensitised about the benefits of Artificial Insemination, use of sex-sorted semen, balanced feeding practices and improved animal welfare measures for achieving sustainable livestock production.

As part of the outreach initiative, incentives were distributed among selected progressive cattle rearers under the Tribal Sub-Plan of ICAR-CIRC. The beneficiaries received solar-powered milk churners, solar torches and pelleted cattle feed to support and encourage scientific livestock rearing practices.

The participating farmers appreciated the initiative and lauded the efforts of the Animal Husbandry Department and ICAR-CIRC in organising such programmes. They acknowledged that these outreach activities provide valuable technical knowledge, exposure to modern livestock management practices and direct support for improving livestock-based livelihoods in Ladakh.

Dr. Tsewang Dorjay, Technical Officer, expressed gratitude to ICAR-CIRC, Meerut, the dignitaries, participating farmers and all stakeholders for their valuable contribution towards the successful conduct of the programme.

The Animal Husbandry Department, UT Ladakh, reiterated its commitment to strengthening the livestock sector through scientific interventions, capacity building and collaborative initiatives aimed at improving the socio-economic well-being of livestock rearers across the Union Territory.