Socio-Economic Impact of Yak/Chauri Farming (A Case Study ofthe Farmers of Dhunche Milk Collection Centre Dikharka under Gosaikund Cheese Factory, Chandabari, Rasuwa)

Abstract

Yak is a male animal found in Himali region in the world. This animal has"Big Head" long flur and long tail inhabited in the mountainous region of Nepal which is known by 'Yakpu' in local language. It is also theeye-touching and rareanimal of the world. Moreover, the various production activities are renownedby'Yak Brands' like 'Yak Churot',Yak and Yati Hotel etc. Yaks are considered as thenational identity of Nepal which is proved by the Rs. 5 note with the yaks figure.After crossing the breed between yaks and Himali local cows the newly born female kind of these very cows are the Chauris (Jumu) and male by 'Jhopa'. Chauris are thehigh value animal which provide the sufficient nutrientproducts such as cheese, Durkha, Gheeetc. These products are not restricted inNepal only due to the world market has been dominated by the products ofChauris. Considering this fact, Nepal has also established a 'Yak Development farm' in Syanboche of Solukhumbu district in 2030 B.S. Most of the Europeancountries have initiated the various conservation measures for Chauris species. Inthe context of Nepal, government has not launched the any specific measures forthe promotion and conservation of this farming even though this farming has dominated the daily livelihoods in high land of Nepal. This research study has attempted to inquire the role of Chauri/Yak farming for the economic development of the surrounding of the Dhunche VDC, Rasuwa.As we know that, most of the Himali districts of Nepal have the pasturel and resources as major natural resources and Chauris/Yaks rearing is the mainoccupation of this sites. In respect to the study area, there are 48 gothsholder farmers of Chauris out of which 16 holders were taken as sample study due to the homogenous backgrounds. Since, this is an exploratory research it had gotsuccess to conclude that Chauris/Yaks farming is the only one option of this areato kick out the flaws of underdevelopment. V Out of the total 16 surveyed goth holders, it was found that 31 percent hadtaken this business because of their ancestorial backgrounds. It was dominated byreligious factors i.e. 38 percent due to Chauri's ghee need to satisfy variouscultural ceremonies. In case of daily selling of Chauris/Yaks milk, 38 percent out ofthe total sold 21-30 liters. The local Chauris/Yaks holders have been rearing not less than 10Chauris/Yaks. It sheds light that behind the high cost tobuy these animals, peopleof this are have been taking it as a primary occupation. The researcher had foundthat, this farming provided the double benefits as the pastureland management and economic prosperity of this area. That is why, the government and its alliedagencies should have to initiate different supportive measures as insurance,vetinery facilities, world wide marketing, Chauri/Yaks research Centre and genepool etc for the conservation of the culturally attached Chauris/Yaksfarming.