Constraints faced by yak and yak cross rearing communities of Ladakh Region

The study was carried out with an objective to ascertain different constraints faced by the yak and yak cross rearing communities in Ladakh. The constraints for this purpose were categorized under three main headings viz “Managemental constraints, Infrastructure and policy related constraints and marketing constraints”. The information was collected through personal interviews of the rearers and sampling technique used was snowball sampling technique. The results of the study revealed that in Management constraints the major constraints that the respondents from the study areas were facing was the “Lack of proper animal healthcare facilities” with an overall average score of 57.87 followed by “Unavailability of fodder throughout the year” as the 2nd major constraint with an overall average score of 51.22. In the Infrastructure and policy related constraints the major constraint that was unanimously perceived by the respondents from the two regions was “Lack of credit facilities” with an overall average score of 53.07 followed by “No price regulation of yak / yak cross milk and products” with an overall average score of 44.46. Under Marketing Constraints, the major constraint that the respondents were facing was “Lack of transportation facilities to the market” with an overall average score of 54.15 followed by “Lack of marketing information” with an overall average score of 52.35. From the study it was concluded that lack of proper animal healthcare facilities, lack of credit facilities to yak rearing communities and lack of transportation facilities to market are the major constraints which the yak and it’s cross rearing communities are facing and require intervention from the concerned authorities at different levels like provision for incentives like fodder, shelter during harsh climates, introduction of animal insurance and credit facilities etc. Value addition of yak products through processing for better marketing opportunities. Steps are also required for further strengthening of veterinary facilities in the region to address the concerns of the yak and yak cross rearing communities.