Rangeland and Fodder Development Policy for the

Union Territory of Ladakh

Draft Recommendations of the Committee

Submitted to the

Government of the Union Territory of Ladakh

March 2022

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 CONTENTS

Executive Summary i-iii

1. Background 01
2. Process of policy formulation 02
3. Rangeland resources of Ladakh: An overview 03
4. Current issues and strategies 09
5. Suggested Policy 12
5.1 Vision, Goal and Objectives 12
5.2 Policy recommendations 13
6. Institutional arrangements 21
7. Financial Implications 22
8. Monitoring and Evaluation 23
9. References 23

Annexure -1: Notification and Terms of Reference 24

Annexure – 2: Summary of Public Consultations 25
Annexure – 3: Sites identified for fodder development in various
Blocks of Ladakh 37

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 Draft

Rangeland and Fodder Development Policy for the Union Territory of

Ladakh

Recommendations of the Committee

Executive Summary

Rangelands occupy nearly 80% of the landmass in Ladakh. They support a significant
proportion of the human population in the region who depend mostly on agro-pastoral
and pastoral production system for their livelihoods. Rangelands of Ladakh also harbour
a rich and unique biodiversity besides providing numerous ecosystem services including
provisioning, regulating and cultural services. Degradation of rangelands, loss of
pastoral production system and other ill effects of changing climate are the major
concern. Recognizing the need for integrated conservation and scientific management
of rangelands and to sustain pastoral production system of Ladakh, the Government of
Union Territory of Ladakh constituted a committee for the formulation of ‘Rangeland
and Fodder Development Policy’ for Ladakh vide Order No. 07-LA (GAD) of 2021
dated 13.01.2021. The constitution of the committee and specific Terms of Reference
are given in Annexure – 1.

The committee has had a series of off-line and online deliberations on the subject. All
available information on the ecology and management of region’s rangelands were
collated along with assessment of their current status, past efforts in management of
livestock grazing and forage development. A total of 44 public meetings were held in 9
Blocks facilitated by the experienced officers from the Sheep Husbandry and Animal
Husbandry Department. This document has been developed based on careful scrutiny
of suggestions from public and expert consultations and thread bear discussions among
the members of the committee.

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The overall goal of this policy is to improve the rangeland productivity and
environmental quality through adaptive management and integrated ecosystem
management strategies, environment friendly technologies and by institutionalizing
scientific management practices. Major objectives of the Rangeland and Fodder
Development Policy of UT of Ladakh are to: (i) Promote scientific management of
rangelands and increase their productivity through ecorestoration and wise herding
practices; (ii) Promote use of rangeland resources in an equitable and sustainable
manner; (iii) Conserve and improve local breeds of livestock and promote better animal
husbandry practices; (iv) Establish fodder banks and fodder development areas in
different eco-climatic zones of Ladakh; (v) Evolve co-management strategies for
multiple functions of rangelands and minimize human – wildlife conflicts; (vi) Develop
and promote the rangeland based enterprises for the pastoral communities; (vii)
Develop adaptive management strategies to mitigate impacts of climate change, and
(viii) Promote research, extension and human resource development in rangeland
ecology and management.

Detailed strategies and policy recommendations have been suggested to achieve the
objectives. Major policy recommendations include (i) Revive and strengthen rotational
grazing practices, (ii) Restoration and reseeding of rangelands with native fodder
species without tampering with the landscape and local hydrology, (iii) supply of winter
feed and minerals to the herders in a subsidized manner, (iv) implementing better
herding practices, (v) adequate and speedy compensation in the event of livestock
mortality by wild predators, (vi) establishment of feed bank and fodder development
areas in various eco-climatic zones, (vii) strengthening the veterinary services and
improvement of genetic stock, (viii) revival of Barzee/Yakzee system and (ix) better
coordination among the line agencies for effective implementation of the suggested
policy.

In order to effectively implement the policy a high level coordinating committee

(Rangeland Advisory Board) comprising senior officials from the Departments of Animal
Husbandry, Sheep Husbandry, Forests, Wildlife, and Representatives of Herders
Associations from four regions may be constituted. The committee should ensure strong

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and effective linakges among the various stakeholders including the herders, line
agencies and rangeland scientists. This document also suggests formation of a
Rangeland and Fodder Development Fund to implement core programmes.

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 Rangeland and Fodder Development Policy for the Union
Territory of Ladakh
1.0 Background
Ladakh represents a unique region in the Indian Trans-Himalaya characterized by cold
arid ecosystem, distinct bio-physical and socio-cultural environment. Over 80% of its
land mass falls under uncultivable sparsely vegetated area mostly used for livestock
grazing, nature based recreation, wildlife conservation and for various other purposes.
Historically the local communities have eked out their living from livestock grazing in the
rangelands that formed the backbone of rural economy. Livestock are thus source of
fuel (in the form of dung cake), milk products, pelts/skins, meat (as food security),
manure and draught for agriculture. The pastoral production system solely depends on
the rangelands which are spread across varied landforms including river valleys,
undulating and rugged mountain slopes, plateaus and wetlands. The rangelands
provide a wide array of benefits to mankind such as provisioning, regulating, and
cultural services. Of these, grazing resources are the most important as these have
sustained local agro-pastoral communities since ages (Sankar and Saha 1995). Other
services from the rangelands include wild edibles, high value medicinal and aromatic
plants (MAPs), and multiple livestock produce. The resources extracted from the
rangelands significantly contribute to the local economy. Furthermore, the rangelands
form the upper catchment of all the streams and rivers in the region which form the
lifeline for all the people within the region as well in the downstream areas. They serve
as major carbon sinks and their role as regulatory function cannot be ignored. The
rangelands of Ladakh are increasingly becoming popular tourist destinations. If
managed in a scientific and integrated manner, the rangelands have tremendous
potential to sustain local livelihoods, overall economic development and ecological
security of the region.

The people of Ladakh have inherited a rich culture, traditional knowledge with respect to
animal husbandry and conservation ethos. However, age old symbiosis between agro-
pastoral and pastoral communities based on barter system have now transformed into

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cash economy and the region is grappling with environmental issues such as
degradation and fragmentation of rangelands that impinges on pastoral production
system and local livelihoods (Dolpus 2013; Tiwari et al., 2013). Other issues include
increasing human-wildlife conflicts, rapid loss of snow cover, changes in hydrology, soil
erosion and mounting pressure on land for development of physical infrastructure at the
cost of natural environment. These issues, coupled with climate change are the major
causes of concern.

Recognizing the need for integrated conservation and development planning for the
rangelands and to sustain pastoral production system of Ladakh, the Government of
Union Territory of Ladakh constituted a committee for the formulation of ‘Rangeland
and Fodder Development Policy’ for Ladakh vide Order No. 07-LA (GAD) of 2021
dated 13.01.2021. The constitution of the committee and specific Terms of Reference
are given in Annexure – 1.

2.0 Process of policy formulation

The committee has had a series of off-line and online deliberations on the subject
including perusal of available information and knowledge on rangelands of Ladakh, their
current status, past efforts in management of pastures and forage development, etc.
After a detailed review of existing literature several stakeholder consultations were held
with the key stakeholders i.e., agro-pastoral as well as pastoral communities and
experienced rangeland and animal husbandry experts in various Blocks of Ladakh in
order to identify key issues, challenges and areas of policy interventions. A total of 44
public meetings were held in 9 Blocks facilitated by the experienced officers from the
Sheep Husbandry and Animal Husbandry Department. Each meeting was attended by
the heads of panchayat / herders association, representatives of various line
departments, councillors and other volunteers. Summary of the consultation meetings
along with recommended actions is given as Annexure – 2. The Animal Husbandry
Department (AHD) has identified 64 pastures across entire Ladakh for restoration and
fodder development. The location, area statistics and altitude of these sites are given as
Annexure – 3.

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3. Rangeland resources of Ladakh: An overview

3.1 Rangeland resources

Ladakh falls under an important region for crop genetic resources, and well known for
unique agro-forestry practices. It is home to several breeds of livestock including
Pashmina goat, Purik sheep, yak, Bactrian camel, Zangskar and Chumur horses etc.
The region also harbours about 1250 species of higher plants, about 350 species of
birds, 36 species of mammals, 8 species of herpetofauna and over 370 species of
entomofauna. Most of these species including spectacular and threatened animals such
as snow leopard, black necked crane and Eurasian Lynx have so far co-existed with the
pastoral and agro-pastoral communities (MOEF&CC 2020).

The rangeland vegetation of Ladakh is divisible into various physiognomic types such
as desert steppe, scrub steppe, alpine moist meadows, marsh meadows and riverine
scrub. These broad classes represent distinct habitat types which are determined by
various land forms, geology, soil characteristics and moisture availability. Each class of
vegetation is reflects different growth forms and plant communities. Of the various
classes, the desert steppe is by far most extensive covering much of the alluvial banks
of major rivers and sandy plains of Changthang, Nubra and Shyok valleys. These areas
have very sparse cover of vegetation. Characteristic plants of desert steppe include a
few grasses, such as species of Stipa, Poa, Elymus, Leymus, sedges (species of
Carex), and few herbs such as species of Astragalus, Oxytropis, Potentilla, Salsola, and
Dracocephalum. The other major class of vegetation is the scrub steppe or alpine dry
scrub that occupies mostly the plateaus and gentle slopes. Typical plant communities in
the scrub vegetation include Artemisia - Caragana, Ephedra - Juniperus, and Lonicera –
Rosa, Tanacetum – Stachys and patches of Krascheninnikovia ceratoides (Eurotia
ceratoides). Towards moist areas especially in the Zanskar ranges the vegetation
resembles moist alpine meadows of Greater Himalaya dominated by a large number of
herbaceous communities and a few grasses. Major species in these types of habitats
are species of Geranium, Potentilla, species of Ranunculus, Delphinium, members of
Compositae and Leguminosae.

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The marsh meadows along the lake and stream banks form only about 2-3 % of the
vegetation in Ladakh and have relatively low standing biomass (31.99 g m-2). Yet such
areas support a considerably high livestock especially during winter months. They also
serve as crucial breeding areas for migratory birds such as black necked crane during
summer (Mishra et al., 2001). Hence these areas need to be given highest priority for
conservation. Any developmental activities such as changes in the land use around
these meadows, diversion of water channels for the tourist camps and buildings are
likely to cause degradation of rangelands. Rocky and scree slopes above 5000m in
Changthang and Karakoram supports very sparse (< 5%) vegetation cover.
Characterisitc species are Carex nivalis, species of Leontopodium, Melica, Christolea,
Rhodiola, Draba, and Saussurea. Moist and stable slopes have cushion-like growth
forms e.g., Thylacospermum caespitosum, Arenaria bryophylla, Androsace aizoon
(Rawat & Adhikari 2005; Joshi et al., 2005).

The rangelands of Ladakh store a considerable amount of soil carbon despite low
sequestration potential. However, rate of sequestration and storage varies considerably
depending upon the slope, aspect and altitude. Generally, rate of carbon sequestration
decreases with increasing altitude and aridity. However, detailed information on these
aspects is not available from Ladakh. Studies have shown that alpine meadows, alpine
desert steppe, grasslands and scrub steppe accumulate a considerable biomass and
the alpine sedge meadows (peatlands) serve as important C sink and deserve special
efforts to conserve.

Livestock husbandry has been one of the primary sources of livelihood for Ladakhis
besides agriculture. This depends largely on the primary productivity of rangelands.
Basically there are two category of pastoral practices viz., agro-pastoral and nomadic
pastoral. Historically, there has been a symbiotic relationship between agro-pastoral
and pastoral practices. Most of the pastoral and agropastoral activities were traditionally
performed on a cooperative basis by sharing the human resources on mutually agreed
terms. Exchange of various services were integral part of equitable sharing of benefits
arising from the pastoral and agropastoral practices locally termed as Lhangde, Barej,

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 Rarej, Bess, Bonglud, etc. (Anonymous 2005). Some of these terms and specific
herding practices are given in the following Box.

Box – 1: Ladakhi terminology used in traditional cooperative farming and livestock

management

Lhangdhe: In traditional communities in Ladakh, instead of getting a paid labour people preferred
working together in groups. From every household one person has to come out for agriculture chores
in a village. This way financial status was not important for doing agriculture chores. These best
practices still exist in villages like Liktsey and Tukla but in sub-urban areas near Leh this system has
vanished because paid labours are available and mechanization has taken place.

Rareez: Rareez comes from the word ‘Ra’ which means goats and ‘Reez’ means turn. Thus, Rareez
is an arrangement by the local communities of Ladakh wherein all livestock from the small hamlets
are taken to the pastures turn by turn by the representative of each household and brought back to
the village in the evening. The person who takes the livestock is called the Rarzee.

Bareez: Similarly, the word ‘Ba’ is for cow or cattle and ‘Reez’ for turn. In ‘Bareez’ system where in
the cattle are altogether taken in the community pastureland turn wise by one of the owners if taken
for one day. The person who takes care of cattle is thus called Barzee.

Yakzee: Is the person who takes the Yak together for grazing in the pastureland.

Bunglud: comes from the word ‘Bung’ donkey and ‘lud’ meaning the manure. During spring season
in every village people get together with their donkeys and turn wise every household takeout their
night soil or cowdung manure to their fields using their donkeys. In this process, one member from
each family should come and together they do their work. The system actually helps the community
to work together without paid labour.

In Sham region (Central Ladakh) the milch cattle and the young calves are herded together by two to
three members of the house hold at the higher altitude pasturelands for nutritious grasses. During
these months their milk production increases and also breeding management can also be done
during these months. Herding system and breeding management were important part of traditional
cultures, religions, and social life in the Ladakh. In some villages the owners of the herds go together
in groups and takes out the production together. However, now-a-days they give some amount of
money or the milk produce to the herder who takes the cattle to the higher altitude (Dok). The reason
is due to human resource scarcity. The system is also known as “Jonla zakches”

Churez: ‘Chu’ is for water and ‘reez’ is for turn. For the management of the common resources, the
villagers have come up with the systems where in all the people are involved together and the head
man or the namardar decides who will get the first turn or turns wise irrigates the fields. So that
everyone gets their chance of irrigation.

Bess: if a person comes for a household work in someone’s house, the next time somebody from his
family has to go for the work at his house to repay10
him back.
Present estimate of livestock in Ladakh is 692396 (2021 Livestock Census). The data
on livestock population of Ladakh reveals that on an average each rural household
owns 15 – 20 livestock. Major species reared include goats, sheep, yak, yak – cow
hybrids (Dzos and Dzomos), horses, mules and donkeys. A general statistics on
livestock in Leh and Kargil districts are shown in the following table (Table 2).

Table 2: Area statistics and livestock population of Ladakh as per Livestock

Census of 2020-21 (Source: Statistical Handbooks of Leh and Kargil
Districts, LAHDC, Ladakh).

SN Particulars Leh Kargil

1 Geographical Area 45000 km2 14036 km2
2 Total population 133487 140802
3 Rural Population 87816 124464
4 Area under agriculture 105.42 km2 114.54 km2
5 Sheep population 98611 145734
6 Goats 198787* 135382
7 Cattle 35839 48362
8 Dzo / Dzomos 34174 16607
9 Yaks 20302 6300
10 Equids 4420 5570
11 Camels 298 -
12 Rabbits 80 -
13 Poultry 20829 65439
* Pashmina goats 222682 as per 2020-21 Census

Of the various breeds of livestock, pashmina or Chagra goats of Changthang, Purik

goats of Kargil and Chumur and Zangskar horses are said to be important geographical
indicators (GI) having high conservation significance. Pashmina or cashmere wool,

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obtained from Changra goats is the most valuable product from the high altitude
rangelands. The pastoral communities have been managing the livestock grazing by
dividing the rangelands into winter and summer pastures. They use these pastures
following an age old rotational grazing system through spatio-temporal shifts of grazing
pressure. Rotational grazing and seasonal shifts of livestock camps has been
particularly prevalent among the Changpa herders of eastern Ladakh who have intimate
knowledge of rangeland resources and optimal use of pastures so as to avoid
degradation. The pastoral production in Changthang involves raising yaks, sheep, goats
and horses, sustainable harvest of livestock products, paying a portion of annual yield to
respective Gompas as tax, consuming a portion and bartering yet another portion along
with salt to obtain grain and other necessities such as food grains and tea (Bhasin
2011).

The rangelands in the lower valleys of Ladakh are grazed by livestock throughout the
year. In central Ladakh and Shakar – Chiktan Valleys livestock graze the rangelands for
almost 10 months and are stall-fed for 2 about months. In Drass and Suru valleys
livestock graze on upper mountain slopes for a period of 6 – 7 month only and for rest of
the year they are stall-fed.

3.2 Past efforts and experience on fodder development and animal husbandry

Being cold arid environment with very low primary productivity, herders of Ladakh have
always faced fodder deficit. During summer the rangelands are bountiful and primary
production peaks in the August. In general, pastures in Kargil district (Zanskar) are
more productive owing to lower altitude and higher precipitation. According to an
estimate there is a fodder deficit of 69.44% in Ladakh region i.e., an availability of 1.43
lakh MT against a requirement of 4.68 lakh MT, calculated on dry matter basis (Statistial
Digest J&K, 2011-12). The Animal Husbandry Department (AHD) has estimated that on
an average there is 20-30% body weight loss in livestock during the lean season due to

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shortage of feed. Fresh estimates of fodder availability and requirement, and loss of
body weight due to fodder scarcity are not available.

Department of Sheep Husbandry has made a few attempts at growing fodder for
livestock at lower altitudes in the past e.g., farms at Khumbathang, Upshi, Matho and
Stakna which are at lower elevations (3000-3500m asl). At higher altitudes, department
tried to cultivate oats at Nidder and Nuruchan farms. A total of 6000-7000 quintals of
fodder was obtained from these farms. However, transportation of fodder over long
distances is poses logistic issues. Likewise, AHD has initiated fodder production on
about 195 kanals of departmental land at Zanskari Equine Breeding Farm (Leh and
Chushod), Bull Mother Farm (Agling), Yak Breeding Farm (Nubra) and Double Humped
Camel Farm (Chushod) during 2020-21. 4624 Kanals of land is available with AHD,
Ladakh for fodder development and already steps in right direction have been
undertaken during early 2021. Land development and creation of irrigation facilities at
significantly portion of the land available with AHD stands initiated. As per data available
with Shere-Kashmir University of Agricultural Science and Technology (SKUAST), Leh
22.4% (2290 hectares) of land is being currently used for fodder production.

In order to regulate overgrazing and to protect winter pastures, the department has
fenced about 50 ha land (altogether 9-10 pastures) in Changthang. This has yielded
good results. Such efforts need to be replicated in consultation with the local herders.
The AHD encourages rotational grazing. However, in most of the areas the herders
follow distinct migratory routes and seasonal calendar which has inbuilt provision of
rotational grazing. Very little efforts have been made to reseed the natural pastures with
nutritious fodder grasses. There is high demand for development of sparsely vegetated
fallow fields by the communities for cultivating oats/barley as fodder crops. However,
such ventures will require irrigation facilities, planting material especially local species
and participatory approach.

The AHD of Ladakh has veterinary centres with breeding bulls stationed at these
centres. However with the launch of the nation wide artificial insemination programme
(NAIP) by the Government of India since 2019. According to this programme, every
district has to implement the artificial insemination (AI) programme for genetic
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upgradation. To make the programme successful, the supply of breeding bulls have
been discouraged and stray bulls have been castrated for the desired results. Shortage
of funds and the availability of fodder for the bulls stationed at these centres is a major
challenge for the AHD.

4.0 Current issues and possible strategies

Public consultations in various blocks of Ladakh reveals that pastoral livelihoods in the
region is at the cross roads. The younger generation in all the sub-regions does not find
pastoral way of living attractive enough. For example, many Changpa families from
Changthang have given up pastoral practices and migrated to Leh. While the herders
would like to keep more heads of yaks, equids, sheep and goats, they feel shortage of
pastures and report decline in forage production in the rangelands in most of the places.
Traditionally the pastures in the Changthang plateau were managed by the Changpa
herders by allocating the summer and winter pastures to different Rebo groups and
following a clear cut annual calendar during various seasons. In their respective grazing
areas they do not allow any other group for collection of fuel wood and livestock
grazing. Some of the community managed pastures in the region are Nidder, Mudh,
Nyoma, Sumdho, Sumdho TR, Angkung, Korzok, Kharnak (Table 3).

Table 3: Community managed rangelands in Eastern Ladakh (Kunzes et al 2015)

Village Name of the pastures Approx.

area
(km2)
Samad- Sta-sa-Phuk, Thukjay, Polokhangkha, Rokchen, Rina, 1,500
Rokchen Nuruchen, Dipring, Bongkanu
Korzok- Khaldo, Luplung,Paldoh, Phirtseri, keyley, 1000
Chumur Yulungmarlung, Labjo,Lamye, UngtiTekajong,
Aerong, Chumikshaltey, Kiangdam, Jabjay
Nyoma TR, Kakjung, Thangka, Kyam-phu-tsuri , Nyan-ru, Kung 1000
Nidder Tso, Takjung, nebo-cheyspung, Tsegu-ringmo-
lungung, Takpochey, Bowolay, Sagra, Khargay,
Lewochey, RichikPhiwa, Tum-Tum, Dungti,
Changlung, Nichung,
Kharnak Lungmoche, Zara Pangchen, Gyagang, Tsermatse 500
Tsaga, Rongo, Kakjung, Pilungkong,PilungYokma, Dungsum, Lung 600
Mudh Maru, Riya,Yulung, Trulung, Taro, Dudling, Zao,

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 Diplung, Nyanlung, Lhaphur, Kyakchat, Pakra,
Panjumglungba, Parma Spangling, Taklung,
Kungdingnala, MuchongLungba, NuchungLungba,
LadumTaba, Na-you, Khurul,Tseyoringmo,
BonakLhatsey

With the advent of Tibetan refugees herders the number of livestock has increased
substantially and many pastures have degraded drastically. According to the herders
symptoms of degradation in parts of Changthang include drying up of patches,
infestation by insects and increase in abundance of unpalatable species such as
Lantang (Physochlaina praealta) and Tserma (Cirsium arvense). The herders report
that many pastures in the eastern Ladakh are not available for grazing due to border
dispute with China and resultant restrictions imposed by the security personnel
especially towards line of actual control. Many herders feel that their winter pastures are
depleted due to over population of Tibetan wild ass or Kiang. Moreover, in many places
there are reports of livestock depredation by wild carnivores especially snow leopard
and Tibetan wolf.

Like the Changpa herders of eastern Ladakh, migratory Bakerwals and Chopans
(traditional herders hired by the Kashmiri livestock traders) use the rangeland of
western Ladakh i.e., Drass and Suru valleys during summer (May-August) months.
They bring thousand of livestock (sheep, goats and horses) in these valleys every year.
The local communities and these migratory herders accuse each other for increased
livestock population in the area. In one incident of conflict, between the Bakerwal and
the sheep husbandry department, Kargil over ownership of the grazing grounds, the
former won the case in the local as well as the high court of the erstwhile J&K state.
Conflicts about ownership of pastures is also seen in eastern parts of Ladakh which
need to be resolved amicably.

The pastoral communities in some blocks felt that erratic weather and decreased
precipitation are the primary reasons for low productivity of rangelands and livestock
production. This also affects agriculture and fodder production.

Major issues identified by the herders include:

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(i) Disintegration of symbiosis between pastoral and agro-pastoral systems and also
changes in the traditional herding practices governed through customary institutions
(Goba village head, members, Panch etc)., (ii) Degradation of rangelands, shortage of
pastures and decline in pastoral production, (iii) Shortage of winter feed and minerals,
(iv) Livestock depredation by wild carnivores, (v) Extreme weather conditions and
livestock mortality, (vi) Inadequate animal health care and shortage of stud bulls (vii)
Dwindling traditional herding practices and Barzee/Yakzee system, (viii) Socio-
economic issues and livelihoods of the herders, (ix) Lack of synergy among line
agencies, and (x) Climate change and depletion of water resources in rangelands.

Each of these issues will short term and long term strategies and enabling policies.
Some of the strategies with respect to major issues emerged during the herder
consultations are appended in the following table (Table 4).

Table 4: Key issues pertaining to rangeland management identified during the

public consultation and possible strategies

SN Key Issues Possible Strategies

1 Disintegration of symbiosis between Revive barter system (exchange of food
pastoral and agro-pastoral systems grains and fodder with rangeland products)
between the agro-pastoral and pastoral
communities.
2 Degradation of rangelands, shortage Revive and strengthen rotational grazing;
of pastures and decline in pastoral Allocation of additional land for community
production grazing; Restoration of degraded pastures;
Reseeding of pastures should be done
only with local forage species.
3 Shortage of winter feed and minerals Supply of winter feed and minerals at
subsidized rates; Establishment of fodder
banks; Supply of quality fodder seeds
(alfa-alfa, oat, rye, etc.) and planting
material to the agro-pastoral communities.
4 Livestock depredation by wild Better herding practices; Installation of
carnivores predator proof corrals; Livestock
insurance; Adequate and speedy
compensation of livestock loss to
predators
5 Extreme weather conditions and Community radio for advance alerting;
livestock mortality Establishment of feed and fodder banks
6 Inadequate animal health care and Strengthen veterinary care;
shortage of stud bulls Increase the number of stud bulls to
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 improve the breed.
7 Dwindling traditional herding Revive the system Barzees / Yakzee;
practices and Barzee/Yakzee system Revive rotational grazing system wherever
dwindling
8 Socio-economic issues and Improve livelihoods and quality of life of
livelihoods of the herders the herders; Integrate eco-tourism with
pastoral livelihoods
9 Climate change and depletion of Protection of watersheds, wetlands and
water resources in rangelands stream courses; Creation of artificial
glaciers at high alpine valleys to meet
water scarcity during summer
10 Increasing population pressures and Proper land use policy and strategic
unabated infrastructure development environmental planning will help protection
leads to degradation of natural of natural environment of which
ecosystem Rangelands are integral part.
Reviving of rich practical experiences and
knowledge about the characteristics
of rangeland ecosystems
11 Increase of fallow fields in and The uncultivated areas in and around the
around villages villages could serve as natural seed
reserve for local flora and fauna.
Communities may be encouraged to
restore and manage fallow fields
appropriately.
12 Disputes over ownership of pastures There has been a long pending dispute
over ownership of a few pastures in
eastern as well as western and Eastern
Ladakh. Previous attempts at resolving
these conflicts have failed. The UT
Government needs to resolve this
amicably.
13 Lack of synergy among line agencies Better coordination among line agencies to
resolve the issues of rangeland and
pastoral production.

5. Suggested Policy

5.1 Vision, Goal and Objectives

Vision: Long term conservation and management of rangelands in the Union Territory
of Ladakh for multiple values and sustaining ecosystem services thereby contributing to
the improved livelihoods and human well-being.

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Goal: The overall goal of this policy is to improve the rangeland productivity and
environmental quality through adaptive management and integrated ecosystem
management strategies, environment friendly technologies and by institutionalizing
scientific management practices.

Objectives

Major objectives of the Rangeland and Fodder Development Policy of UT of Ladakh are
to:

(i) Promote scientific management of rangelands and increase their productivity

through ecorestoration and wise herding practices,

(ii) Promote use of rangeland resources in an equitable and sustainable manner,

(iii) Conserve and improve local breeds of livestock and promote better animal
husbandry practices,

(iv) Establish fodder banks and fodder development areas in different eco-climatic
zones,

(v) Evolve co-management strategies for multiple functions of rangelands and

minimize human – wildlife conflicts,

(vi) Develop and promote the rangeland based enterprises for the pastoral
communities,

(vii) Develop adaptive management strategies to mitigate impacts of climate change,

and
(viii) Promote research, extension and human resource development in rangeland
ecology and management.

5.2 Policy Recommendations

(i) Promote scientific management of rangelands and increase their productivity

through ecorestoration and wise herding practices
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• The UT Government of Ladakh will promote scientific grazing management
practices based on production status and carrying capacity of the rangelands
thereby preventing their further degradation.

• Restoration of degraded rangelands would be taken up without modifying the

landscape features and hydrology of the mountain slopes in a coordinated
manner through departments of Animal/Sheep Husbandry, Forests, Wildlife and
Agriculture involving the local communities / community based organizations.

• For the restoration of pastures only native fodder species would be used.
Introduction of any plant species from outside of Ladakh or even regional level
would be done after proper research and approval from a committee of experts.
Introduction of any exotic species even in agricultural fields might affect the micro
environment of the land resulting in the elimination of local micro flora and fauna
thereby changing the overall environment and local biodiversity.

• Critical watersheds and wetlands of high conservation value would be

demarcated and notified for sustained supply of drinking water to the agro-
pastoral and pastoral communities besides livestock through relevant
department.

• Several brushwood species especially Caragana versicolor and

Krascheninnikovia ceratoides, two important forage species of scrub steppe are
heavily exploited by the herders for fuel wood. Systematic removal of these
species from the lower slopes has led to increased soil erosion and resultant loss
of productivity and species diversity. Excessive harvest of these two species from
the rangelands would therefore degrade the pastures rapidly. Hence alternate
arrangements for fuel wood (such as Kerosine oil, fuel wood from the low
altitudes and dung cake) will be made to sustain the rangelands in the long run.

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 • To reduce undue pressure on winter pastures, traditional migration patterns
would be revived and herders would be motivated for extended stays at summer
pastures. This would prevent competitive grazing and degradation of pastures.
Traditional arrangements such as the ‘tsabkak’ system would be revived to
protect the rangelands.

(ii) Conserve and promote use of rangeland resources in an equitable and

sustainable manner

• The UT Government of Ladakh will encourage barter system (exchange of food

grains and fodder with rangeland products) between the agro-pastoral and
pastoral communities. To realize this seed and planting material of fodder
species will be supplied to the farmers on a subsidized rate. Likewise, fuel and
other subsidies would be provided to the pastoral communities to process their
products.

• The rangelands that have traditionally been used as grazing land by the local
communities will be demarcated and use rights of the livestock herders will be
ensured. Wherever rangelands are in shortage, additional pastureland would be
identified and allocated for the community grazing.

• The local communities will be made responsible for upkeep and sustainable use
of their pastures. They would be encouraged to formulate appropriate
laws/bylaws so as to ensure the rights of conserving, promoting, and use of
public rangelands including camping by the other agencies such as tourists / tour
operators.

• The local communities / herders would be encouraged to revive the system of

Barzees / Yakzees on a cooperative basis. The Department of Animal Husbandry
may work out modalities of forming Herders Cooperative Society and appropriate
norms to strengthen Barzee / Yakzee system.

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 • Appropriate rules and regulations will be framed for the sustainable collection,
processing, storage and marketing of the rangeland products especially
medicinal and aromatic plants, subsidiary food, wild edibles, etc.

(iii) Conserve and improve local breeds of livestock and promote better animal
husbandry practices

• Department of Animal Husbandry will strive for improvement of breed of local

livestock, wherever necessary, by minimizing inbreeding, selecting superior
males and promoting the use of semen from those superior males through
artificial insemination.

• Genetic stock of local breeds and their key features would be documented and
archived.

• The agro-pastoral and pastoral communities will be encouraged to maintain the

stock of superior animals depending upon the availability of pastures and their
ability to produce fodder in their private land thereby minimizing the pressure on
common rangelands.

• Mixed livestock farming would be encouraged to sustain rangeland use

especially in Western Ladakh.

(iv) Establish fodder banks and fodder development areas in different eco-
climatic zones

• There would be a provision to establish community fodder banks by setting aside

at least 15- 20 hectares of pastureland (free from grazing) at least one each in
Zanskar, Lower Indus, Upper Indus and Northern Changthang for propagation of
high value native forage species.

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• The fodder banks would also serve as gene banks / reservoirs for seed and
rhizomes of forage plants to be used for reseeding and restoration of degraded
pastures.
• Research institutes in Ladakh with collaboration of Animal Husbandry
Department and relevant stakeholders should work together to improve livestock
nutrition programmes (e.g. fodder production, hay making, fodder banking).The
communities, especially in Zanskar and Western Ladakh would be encouraged to
set aside areas for collection of hay and green fodder during rainy season on
mutually agreed terms so as to feed their livestock during pinch period i.e.,
severe winters and dry season.

• Efforts would be made to improve irrigation system for agriculture and forestry
and introducing specific fodder crops for reducing pressure on rangelands. This
would be taken with caution without affecting riverine and marshy areas which
are critical winter pastures and also habitat for migratory birds.

(v) Evolve co-management strategies for multiple functions of rangelands and

minimize human – wildlife conflicts.

• Using the traditional knowledge of the herders, the Department of Animal

Husbandry will work out and re-establish better herding practices for different
regions.

• In places of high wildlife conflict areas predator proof corrals would be

established and mechanisms would be evolved for Livestock Insurance and
adequate and speedy compensation of livestock loss to predators

• Livestock grazing norms (season, stocking rate, duration, etc) within wildlife rich
areas especially in the wildlife protected areas will be decided amicably in
consultation with the Wildlife Department.

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 • Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to improve livestock nutrition programmes
(e.g. fodder production, hay making, fodder banking), and promote construction
of water harvesting structures for livestock drinking to minimize direct use of
wetlands.

• Rangeland based enterprises will be promoted in the region without changing the
land use of the community pastureland.

• Rangeland biodiversity including high value medicinal and aromatic plants and
traditional knowledge pertaining to their use and management will be
documented, and strategies for their sustainable use will be developed.

(vi) Develop and promote the rangeland based enterprises for the communities
dependent on rangeland resources.

• The private sector, local bodies and other organizations concerned will be
encouraged for value addition of rangeland products at local level. Infrastructures
will be developed to help in processing of the rangeland resources such as wool
for making quality carpets.

• Market Information System and rangeland based entrepreneurs and

stakeholders' network will be developed to promote the marketing of rangeland
products.

• Regional Rangeland Development Fund will be established which will be utilized

to restore degraded rangeland, enhance fodder production and support
livelihoods of the pastoral communities by improving access to education, public
health services, alterative energy services and development of small scale
enterprises.

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 • Rangeland based cultural and nature tourism will be promoted and model tourist
spots will be developed in select locations to be executed through herders
association / community institutions so as to share benefits on equitable basis.

• Subsidies will be provided for certain period of time to support the livelihoods and
income generation of the local communities. Reliable system will be established
to ensure access to basic services like education, public health, drinking water
facilities for the local communities.

• Rangeland product based industries will be promoted. Market of the rangeland

high value products like yak cheese, pashmina, herbs, wool will also be
promoted.

• Value chain of the organic products from the rangelands will be developed and
strengthened.

• Rangeland infrastructures such as mobile schools, primary health facility,

drinking water and public transport will be developed especially in the remote
Changthang area.

(vii) Develop adaptive management strategies in livestock herding practices to

mitigate impacts of climate change.

• Aligning with the climate action plan of UT of Ladakh, strategies will be

developed for appropriate climate adaptation for the rangeland dependent
communities.

• Suitable mechanism will be developed for mitigating impacts of extreme weather

conditions such as drought, inclement weather, high snowfall, etc., including
advance alerting system through community radio.

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 • As part of disaster mitigation plans ‘Fodder Banks’ will be established at strategic
locations which would help in supplying the feed for the livestock during
emergencies and acute feed deficit through District Natural Disaster Relief
Committee.

• Appropriate mechanism will be developed to mitigate the loss of livestock arising

due to extreme weather conditions.

• National and international commitments and associated obligations on global

climate change will be adhered to and fulfilled.

(viii) Research, extension and human resource development in rangeland

ecology and management

• The UT Government of Ladakh will promote advanced scientific research on

rangeland ecology, forage production, animal nutrition, livestock husbandry,
genetic improvement of livestock, bio-prospecting, etc. National and International
research organizations and rangeland experts would be encouraged to take up
research projects in the region in collaboration with the relevant departments and
local institutions. Appropriate rules and guidelines would be developed for
collaborative research.

• The UT Government of Ladakh will maintain institutional linkages and

coordination with national and international Institutes and universities to produce
and supply skilled technical manpower on rangeland development and
production, collection, processing, and market management of rangeland
resources.
• The UT Government will identify an appropriate institution / agency to establish
and maintain centralized database on area and productivity of rangelands, fodder

25
 banks, quality of pastures, livestock ownership pattern, studs, medical facilities
and other aspects of rangelands.

• Information centres on rangeland resources and use of pastures will be

established at appropriate places. Awareness raising campaign on present status
and importance of rangeland management will be conducted by incorporating in
the school level curriculum.

• Human resources on rangeland ecology and management will be developed.

• Capacity of the local communities, local bodies and other stakeholders will be
enhanced to promote rangeland resource based enterprises.

• Intellectual property rights /patent rights of the valuable rangeland products

including indigenous knowledge, skills, technologies, practices of the local
herders will be recorded and protected.

6. Institutional Arrangements

There will be a high level coordinating committee comprising senior officials from the
departments of Animal Husbandry, Sheep Husbandry, Forest, Wildlife, and
Representatives of Herders Associations from four regions. The committee will ensure
strong and effective linkages among the herders, line agencies, forest / wildlife,
agriculture and tourism departments. There will be a unit within Department of Livestock
Husbandry to effectively implement the rangeland policy and coordinate with various
line agencies and stakeholders. Besides, various other National Institutes and their units
such as Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) of the the Ministry
of Defence, Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) of Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) and
State Agriculture Universities such as SKUAST and Ladakh University will be involved
in implementing the research, monitoring and extension activities in the rangelands.

26
These policies will be integrated and dovetailed with other sectoral policies of the
Central Government as well as that of Government of Union Territory of Ladakh. For
example, the Department of Science & Technology (DST) has a special mission for the
Indian Himalayan region (IHR), viz., National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan
Ecosystem (NMSHE) as part of the eight National Missions under the National Action
Plan on Climate Change. NMSHE aims to conserve biodiversity, green cover and
ecological services to deliver better understanding of the synergies between the
Himalayan ecosystems, climate factors and provide inputs for Himalayan Sustainable
Development while addressing protection of the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. Similarly,
the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEF&CC) has recently
launched National Mission on Himalayan Studies (NMHS) to address the data
availability issues in this data deficient region as also quoted by the Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), and to facilitate informed policy decisions in respect of
various issues related to Himalayan environment and development. These schemes of
the Central Government should be tapped to establish baselines and management
capabilities of the frontline staff of various line agencies. The UT of Ladakh has achieved
a significant milestone in meeting the solar energy requirements. This scheme will
significantly reduce the fuel wood requirement of the agro-pastoral and pastoral
communities in Ladakh, thereby reducing the pressure of biomass extraction from the
rangelands.

7. Financial implications

Most of the programmes and schemes of rangeland fodder and livestock development
in Ladakh have been undertaken from the existing budget of Departments of Animal /
Sheep Husbandry. In order to implement the present policy in a comprehensive manner
several components can be financed from other departments such as Health,
Education, Non-Conventional Energy, Rural Development, Irrigation, Forest,
Agriculture, Wildlife and Tourism etc. However, some of the policy measures and
relevant activities such as Eco-restoration, Development of Fodder Bank, Capacity
Building, Research and Extension, Subsidies for fodder and rangeland product
development additional seed grant and recurring annual expenditure would be required.

27
The UT Government may consider creating a Rangeland and Fodder Development
Fund by allocating seed grant to initiate a few activities. Line departments with
expertise from other agencies such as SKUASST Leh may propose detailed financial
outlay for this purpose and submit to the Government of UT.

8. Monitoring and Evaluation

There is a need to initiate a comprehensive Rangeland Monitoring Programme for

Ladakh. This programme should include monitoring of weather parameters, rangeland
productivity, recovery of restoration sites, seasonal use of rangelands by wildlife,
changes in forage species composition and green cover due to changing climate,
Carbon budgeting, etc. This programme can be dovetailed with ‘Long Term Ecological
Observation network of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
(MoEFCC), on-going programmes of national and state level institutions / University
Departments.

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