The First National Workshop on Yak and Chauri Promotion in Nepal jointly organized by the National Livestock Resource Management and Promotion Office of the Department of Livestock Services (DLS), Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC) and ICIMOD was held in Kuti Resort and Spa, Pokhara during 2079/2/13-14. The Director General of DLS, Dr Ram Nandan Tiwari chaired the inaugural session while Ms. Niru Dahal Pandey, Secretary from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development was the Chief Guest of the entire workshop. A total of 68 participants comprised of policy level officials from the MoALD, NARC and ICIMOD took part in the workshop including yak and chauri herders from all Himalayan districts except Humla and Gorkha. Six thematic papers were presented during the workshop. Extensive discussions were held among the yak herders, development workers and researchers for promoting yak and chauri in Nepal. The role of NARC in promoting yak and chauri was lauded by the stakeholders during the workshop with the recommendation of establishing Yak and Chauri Research Station in the appropriate time and location. Dr. Doj Raj Khanal, Director of Livestock and Fishery Research of NARC delivered Vote of Thanks and presented a paper on research theme. The workshop ended with formation of a National Yak Herders Network and declaration of an ad-hoc committee. The ad-hoc committee is expected to make another Provincial Level Committee for the better networking that will ultimately pave the way for the promotion of Yak and Chauri in Nepal.
