Itanagar, June 26: In a bid to strengthen livelihoods and stem migration from remote border areas, the Arunachal Pradesh government on Friday distributed 105 High Genetic Merit (HGM) Jersey Crossbred cattle to beneficiaries in Tawang district under the Centre’s Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP).
The distribution programme was held at Gyangkhar village, where 35 beneficiaries received three pedigreed Jersey crossbred cattle each to promote sustainable dairy farming and generate year-round income.
Announcing the initiative on social media platform X, Chief Minister Pema Khandu said prosperous and self-reliant border villages are key to securing the country’s frontiers.
“The best way to secure our borders is to ensure that our border villages remain prosperous, self-reliant, and full of opportunity,” Khandu said.
He added that the programme was creating new opportunities for sustainable dairy enterprises in Tawang and thanked the Government of India, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, and NDDB Dairy Services for supporting the initiative.
“I wish all our beneficiaries every success as they take this important step towards building sustainable dairy enterprises and stronger, more vibrant villages,” the Chief Minister said.
HGM Jersey crossbred cattle are specially bred to combine the high milk yield of exotic breeds with the disease resistance and adaptability of indigenous cattle. They are considered ideal for sustainable dairy farming in the Northeast due to their superior feed-to-milk conversion ratio and high-fat milk production.
The distribution forms part of the Vibrant Villages Programme, a centrally sponsored initiative aimed at transforming remote and sparsely populated border villages into self-reliant and economically vibrant communities through improved infrastructure, livelihood generation and reduced outmigration.
The programme has emerged as a key component of the government’s strategy to strengthen border regions by improving economic opportunities and ensuring that communities living along international borders remain prosperous and resilient.
