6th Bhutan Yak Federation General Assembly to Be Held in Panbang
Panbang, Zhemgang | 30 December 2025
The Bhutan Yak Federation (BYF) will convene its 6th General Assembly from 30–31 December 2025 at Marang Jungle Lodge, Panbang, Zhemgang, under the theme “Working Together for the Future of Yak Farming and Highlanders’ Livelihoods.”
The two-day Assembly will bring together yak herders, cooperative leaders, and officials from government and partner agencies to review progress, discuss challenges, and set priorities for strengthening yak farming and improving the livelihoods of highland communities.
Bhutan’s highlands are home to a unique way of life centered on yak farming, an activity that is not only an economic pursuit but also an integral part of the nation’s heritage, culture, and identity. However, rapid climate change, shifting economic conditions, and increasing out-migration are placing this fragile livelihood under growing pressure.
The Bhutan Yak Federation, established on 26 April 2021 with 470 founding members, now represents herders across 10 districts, encompassing 12 cooperatives and three groups with a total of 445 registered members (250 male, 195 female). According to the National Statistics Bureau 2025, Bhutan has 29,432 yaks and 8,570 zo/zoms, totaling 37,992 bovines in highland regions.
The Assembly will review activities since the 5th General Assembly, including rangeland management, yak health and disease control, human–wildlife conflict, and climate-related challenges. Participants will also receive updates on high-value yak product diversification, livestock insurance schemes, and ongoing initiatives at national yak farms aimed at improving productivity and resilience.
Institutional matters such as proposed amendments to BYF by-laws, renewal of cooperatives, and the election of the Federation’s Board of Directors and committees will be deliberated. Sessions on cooperative legislation and regional collaboration will further strengthen BYF’s governance and representation.
Speaking on the occasion, the Director General highlighted that the General Assembly is a critical platform for yak herders to voice concerns, review progress, and collectively shape the Federation’s future. She emphasized that the Federation provides collective bargaining power, market access, risk reduction, social empowerment, and opportunities for youth engagement, while serving as a bridge between policy and highland realities.
Despite challenges such as yak mortality, harsh climatic conditions, disease outbreaks, rangeland degradation, and water shortages, opportunities abound through high-value yak products, eco-tourism, and regional collaboration. The Federation also works closely with the livestock sector to support herders in genetic improvement, animal health, feed and nutrition, livestock insurance, and international knowledge exchange.
The Bhutan Yak Federation is more than an organization—it is a movement safeguarding highland livelihoods, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting sustainable rural economies. Supporting BYF is a commitment to ensuring a resilient, inclusive, and prosperous future for Bhutan’s highland communities.
