Srinagar, July 31:
In a significant move towards promoting sustainable development and resilient livelihoods, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated a two-day workshop on Pastoralism in Jammu Kashmir today. The event was organized by the Tribal Affairs Department of J&K in collaboration with the Regional IYRP Support Group of South Asia (RISG-SA).
In his address, Lt Governor Sinha commended the efforts of the organizers in facilitating a platform to deliberate on the issues and challenges faced by pastoral communities in the UT of J&K. He emphasized the ancient significance of pastoralism, which has been one of the oldest professions in the world. Nomadic livestock plays a vital role in the lives and livelihoods of communities, intricately linked with their heritage, culture, traditional knowledge, and harmonious co-existence with nature.
The Lt Governor expressed his optimism that the workshop would aid in developing a comprehensive strategy and action plan to enhance the livelihoods of pastoralists and promote the regeneration of pasture land and rangelands.
During the inaugural session, Lt Governor Sinha highlighted the concerted efforts of the UT Administration, under the guidance of Prime Minister NarendraModiJi, in bringing positive transformation in the lives of pastoral communities such as Gujjar, Bakarwals, and Gaddi-Sippi. He mentioned the empowerment of tribal communities in the region through initiatives like the Forest Rights Act, granting rights on forest produce, and various other welfare measures, which have brought a new ray of hope to their lives.
The Lt Governor pointed out that the world is recognizing the importance of pastoralism, with the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declaring 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists. He lauded the tribal community for their role as protectors of forests and climate warriors, stressing their crucial contribution to biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and food security.
Lt Governor Sinha shared the administration’s efforts to extend socio-economic benefits and livelihood opportunities to the youth and families of pastoral communities, ensuring smooth movement during the migratory season. Initiatives such as the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme have been prioritizing support for livestock-dependent communities, and a campaign to conserve open range and increase green cover in the UT has been launched.
The workshop witnessed insightful contributions from various experts, including PVivekanandan, Vice Chair, RISG South Asia, who shared his perspectives on the theme of the workshop through a powerpoint presentation. Dr.ShahidIqbalChoudhary, Secretary, Tribal Affairs Department, and Dr.Nazir A Ganai, Vice Chancellor SKUAST Kashmir, highlighted the significant efforts undertaken by the UT administration, led by Lt Governor Sinha, for the welfare and development of pastoral communities in Jammu Kashmir.
The event was attended by RoshanJaggi, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, faculty members of SKUAST, scientists, researchers, officers of the UT administration, and a large number of members from pastoral communities.
