National Research Centre on Yak, [NRCY] Dirang

The ICAR-National Research Centre on Yak (NRCY), established in 1989 by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), is located in Dirang, West Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh. Situated at 1,500 meters above sea level, the institute's experimental yak farm is at Nyukmadung, approximately 31 km away at 2,700 meters above sea level.

NRCY is India's sole research organization focused exclusively on yak (Poephagus grunniens L.), aiming to enhance yak husbandry practices through scientific research, technology development, and community engagement.​

Key Research and Initiatives

1. Yak Breeding and Reproductive Biotechnology

In 2013, NRCY achieved a significant milestone by producing the world's first test-tube yak calf, named "NORGAYAL," through in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer techniques. This breakthrough, supported by the Department of Biotechnology, has advanced yak conservation and breeding programs.

2. Value Addition and Dairy Processing

To promote yak farming as a viable livelihood, NRCY established the "Nyukmadung Dairy" milk parlour in 2023. The facility produces value-added yak milk products such as designer paneer, yak ghee, dahi, ripened and mozzarella cheese, and churkham. It also serves as a training center for tribal yak farmers, enhancing their skills in dairy processing.

3. Yak Fibre Utilization

NRCY has developed technologies for the scientific use of yak fibers, particularly for making traditional "chamar" (ceremonial fly-whisks). In 2023, the institute conducted training programs for yak farmers, teaching them to produce designer chamars using yak tail hair, thereby adding economic value to yak fiber and promoting sustainable practices.

4. Health and Disease Management

NRCY actively engages in the health management of yak populations. In December 2024, the institute conducted a vaccination-cum-health camp in Dwangba village, vaccinating 75 yaks and yak-cattle hybrids against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and providing medical treatment for various health ailments.

5. Community Outreach and Capacity Building

The institute extends its expertise to remote regions, such as Ladakh, by organizing awareness and training programs on scientific yak husbandry. In November 2023, NRCY conducted programs in Leh and Kargil districts, benefiting over 300 tribal livestock farmers. These programs focused on fodder cultivation, breeding practices, and value addition of animal produce to improve livelihoods.

Annual Events and Farmer Engagement

NRCY organizes the "Yak Mela," an annual event that brings together yak farmers, researchers, and policymakers. The 6th Yak Mela, held in 2019, featured over 300 participants and emphasized the adoption of scientific yak husbandry practices. The event also included exhibitions, training sessions, and distribution of inputs to farmers. ​