The Indian Council for Agricultural Research-National Research Centre on Yak has inaugurated the first-of-its-kind yak milk parlour in Nyukmadung village, Arunachal Pradesh. Located at the research center’s farm in the West Kameng district, this initiative aims to popularize yak milk and its derivatives, making yak farming more profitable. Yaks are vital to the livelihoods of highland communities in the Himalayan and trans-Himalayan regions, providing milk, meat, fiber, hide, and dung, along with serving as transportation. Yak milk is prized for its richness in protein, fat, lactose, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a crucial dietary component in challenging high-altitude environments.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- Indian Council for Agricultural Research-National Research Centre on Yak: A research institution focused on the study and promotion of yak farming and related activities in India.
- Yak: A hardy bovine species (Poephagus grunniens) found in the Himalayan and trans-Himalayan regions, providing essential resources for highland communities.
- Highlanders: Ethnic communities residing in high-altitude regions who rely on yaks for various aspects of their livelihood.
- Hypoxic: Characterized by reduced oxygen levels, a condition often prevalent in high-altitude environments.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Essential nutrients known for their health benefits, particularly for heart and brain health, commonly found in yak milk.
