Research on World Agricultural Economy

Traditional Feeding practices of Brokpas in Arunachal Pradesh: A Case Study on Estimating Economic Efficiency of Yak Herders in Northeast India

Tenzin Choephel

Centre for Management Studies, North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology, Nirjuli 791109, India

Manmohan Mall

Centre for Management Studies, North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology, Nirjuli 791109, India

Odang Mara

Department of Management, Rajiv Gandhi University, Itanagar 791112, India

Thuptan Tashi

Department of Animal Husbandry, Veterinary & Dairy Development, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, Nirjuli 791109, India

Manoj Kumar Mohanty

Department of Business Administration, Sambalpur University, Burla 768019, India

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36956/rwae.v6i4.2056

Received: 25 April 2025 | Revised: 20 May 2025 | Accepted: 30 July 2025 | Published Online: 15 October 2025

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Abstract

Yak Herding plays a significant role in the livelihoods of high-altitude pastoral communities in Arunachal Pradesh, India. This study aims to analyze the influence of traditional feeding strategies on yak health, milk yield, production, and overall economic efficiency. The highland pastoralist communities are dependent on the natural grazing for their animal, which is a sustainable and cost-effective way of livelihood. Despite facing multiple challenges concerning feed management. The research is based on field observations, surveys, and interviews with yak herders to analyze traditional and modern feeding practices followed by the yak herders in remote areas of Arunachal Pradesh. The study highlights the need for sustainable feeding strategies to ensure better productivity, economic viability, and resilience against climatic challenges. Proper feeding practices, including supplementary feeding during winter and improved pasture management, significantly enhance milk production, reproductive performance, and yak survival rates. Findings indicate that at the 0.05 level of significance, the labour cost coefficient and the concentrate and mineral cost coefficient both show positive trends and are statistically significant. The positive coefficient means that the cost of producing milk will increase by 0.0287 per cent for every per cent increase in concentrate and mineral prices. In a similar vein, the positive labour cost coefficient suggests that a per cent rise in labour costs will result in a 0.062 per cent increase in milk production costs. Recommendations include the adoption of balanced nutrition plans, fodder conservation techniques, and policy support for improving feed availability. The findings contribute to the broader understanding of efficient yak farming practices in Arunachal Pradesh and their implications for pastoral sustainability.

Keywords: Yak Herding; Feeding Practices; Sustainability; Economic Efϐiciency; Livestock Management

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