Pema Khandu, the chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh, announced the creation of the Yak Federation of India, a group that will bring together yak herders throughout the Himalayan region to support more effective policy coordination, sustainable livelihoods, and cultural preservation. The declaration was made by the Chief Minister following a meeting with a group of yak herders from Ladakh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. Khandu said the federation would serve as a link between herders, governments, and other stakeholders, calling it a “significant step” towards maintaining tradition, improving lives, and bolstering the yak ecosystem throughout the Himalayas.
In a social media post, Khandu stated, “Yak is not just a source of livelihood; it is an integral part of the culture, heritage, and identity of Himalayan communities,” highlighting the strong spiritual and social bond between the locals and their resilient mountain companion. For centuries of Brokpas throughout the trans-Himalayan belt, the Chief Minister said, the yak has been an essential source of milk, wool, and transportation in high-altitude regions where other livestock and mobility options were scarce. “We have agreed to form the Yak Federation of India with the active participation of all members.” According to Khandu, “this platform will unite all yak herders, enabling coordinated efforts, teamwork, and stronger policy interventions with both government and non-government organizations.”
