The Yak Guardian: Passang Tshering Bhutia's Four-Decade Quest to Save Sikkim's Lifeline
In the breathtaking and harsh landscapes of Sikkim, a dedicated individual has been working behind the scenes to preserve the state's lifeline - the yaks. Passang Tshering Bhutia, an Assistant Director in the Department of Animal Husbandry, has spent four decades of his life to save yak husbandry and promote sustainable livelihoods for highlanders. His selfless dedication and tireless efforts have earned him recognition, and he continues to inspire others to join him in his mission.A Chance Encounter with the YaksBhutia's journey began in 1987 when he was posted as a livestock assistant in Lachen, a remote town in North Sikkim. The place had no transportation facilities, electricity, or modern amenities, but Bhutia was drawn to the rugged beauty of the highlands and the resilience of its people. He fell in love with the place and the yaks, and never sought an urban posting. Instead, he chose to work with the yak herders, trekking long distances, setting up camps, and building strong relationships with the locals.The Challenges of Yak HusbandryYak husbandry was a traditional practice in the highlands, but it was slowly dying due to the lack of economic viability and the hard work required. Young people were not interested in pursuing yak farming, and the industry was on the verge of collapse. Bhutia knew that something needed to be done to save the yaks and the livelihoods of the highlanders. He decided to go beyond his official duties and work overtime to promote yak husbandry and make it economically viable. Bhutia's efforts focused on modernizing yak farming by introducing new techniques and technologies. He collaborated with institutes like the ICAR-National Research Centre on Yak to improve yak milk and milk products' quality and marketability. He also worked towards value addition, integrating yaks with tourism, and promoting yak-related products to urban markets. His efforts paid off, and yak husbandry began to flourish once again.The Impact of Bhutia's WorkToday, the yak population in North Sikkim is on the rise, and the industry is more economically viable than ever before. Bhutia's work has not only saved the yaks but also promoted sustainable livelihoods for highlanders. The yak milk and milk products are now sold in urban markets, and the industry has become a significant contributor to the local economy. Bhutia's efforts have also highlighted the importance of yak conservation and the need to protect the biodiversity and ecosystem of high-altitude areas. Bhutia's vision for the future of yak husbandry is exciting. He plans to introduce new products like flavored chhurpi and yak milk coffee, and work with technological institutes to improve the texture and marketability of yak products. He also emphasizes the importance of yak wool and its potential for generating income. The Importance of Yak ConservationYaks play a crucial role in maintaining the biodiversity and ecosystem of high-altitude areas. They help control soil erosion, assist in seed dispersal and pollination, and their dung and urine act as natural manure. Bhutia stresses the urgent need for yak conservation, highlighting the impact of yak decline on the local economy, biodiversity, and ecosystem. His work serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving traditional practices and promoting sustainable livelihoods. Passang Tshering Bhutia's four-decade quest to save Sikkim's yak husbandry traditions has promoted sustainable livelihoods for highlanders. As Bhutia continues to work towards a brighter future for yak husbandry, his legacy will undoubtedly inspire others to join him in his mission.
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