๐๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐: The Bhutan Yak Federation (BYF) convened its annual general meeting from June 13th to 14th, 2023, at the Phuntshok Hotel in Bumthang. The primary focus of this year’s gathering was to empower the board of directors in spearheading sustainable yak farming initiatives in the highland districts. Among the attendees were board directors from yak cooperatives, livestock officials from the highland Dzongkhags, DAMC, National Highland Development Centre Wangduephodrang, and officials from the Department Head Quarter. The meeting centered around reviewing the progress made in 2022 and formulating plans and strategies for the period of 2023-2024.
In his opening address, Mr. Towchu Rabgay, the Chief livestock officer, extended a warm welcome to all participants and underscored the significance of effective rangeland management, diversification of yak products, and wool processing as key priorities for the 13th YFP. He also emphasized the crucial role of BYF in promoting the diversification and marketing of highland products. Concerns regarding the decline in yak population and household figures, as indicated by the annual census and production data published by the National Statistical Bureau, were shared among the herders.
The progress and challenges of the board of directors were presented, leading to in-depth discussions on potential interventions. During the meeting, common challenges faced by yak cooperatives were addressed, including issues related to Tsamdro, insufficient feed resources, breeding difficulties, human-wildlife conflicts, rural-urban migration, and the marketing of yak products. Additionally, the meeting emphasized the necessity of developing products for the Royal Highland Festival in Laya, highlighting the importance of creating comprehensive descriptions and determining their value.
Adhering to the “one cooperative, one product” concept, group work and presentations were focused on product development and marketing. The board of directors will present their progress and targets achievement at the next BYF meeting. Many yak cooperatives stressed the importance of product collection, value addition through reworking, and effective marketing strategies. The overall work plan for the BYF was devised, encompassing tasks such as setting up an office, endorsing and monitoring the work plan, coordinating annual BYF meetings, maintaining updated cooperative information for both male and female members, engaging with the private sector, determining product prices, establishing a resource center or highland club, representing the Bhutan Yak Federation, following highland festival guidelines for yak product development and marketing, and facilitating capacity development for herders.
To improve service delivery for yak cooperatives, the BYF office will be relocated from Bumthang to the National Highland Development Centre in Wangduephodrang. The next federation meeting is scheduled for February 2024 in Wangduephodrang, during which the BYF chair will present the financial and physical achievements to all board of directors. The meeting concluded successfully, with the development plans for yak cooperatives and the BYF formulated through the exchange of ideas among yak herders, livestock experts, and relevant stakeholders in Bumthang.
