Ulaanbaatar
Mongolian Premier Assures Special Focus on Herders' Welfare Post-Dzud
Politics
Ulaanbaatar, February 22, 2024 /MONTSAME/. As per the Government's decision, emergency groups, headed by Ministers, have been established to provide assistance to aimags facing dzud. Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai visited Khangai soum of Arkhangai aimag on February 22, 2024, to assess the risks facing herders in the upcoming summer and familiarize himself with the winter and spring challenges they currently endure.
During his visit, the Prime Minister engaged with Arkhangai herders, expressing solidarity while assuring them of government support. He discussed potential solutions with the herders for addressing their issues, including the recent continuous snowfall causing road closures, hindering fodder collection, and medical access. The herders suggested that herding families grow green fodder for their own needs, facilitating the assignment of students and young professionals in veterinary and zootechnical fields to local communities, and exploring the possibility of establishing yak milk, dairy products, and weaving factories in the region, which is renowned for its Mongolian yak population.
Acknowledging the immediate needs of the herders, Prime Minister Luvsannamsrai emphasized the importance of ensuring aid quality and addressing social security concerns post-dzud. In addition to the immediate relief efforts, the government is collaborating with international organizations, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and local councils to raise funds for multiple rounds of assistance until the snow melts.
Recognizing the ongoing environmental and climatic challenges facing pastoralism, Prime Minister Luvsannamsrai stressed the importance of a long-term strategy. He highlighted the need for coordinated efforts between the government and herder families, as well as alignment with regional development initiatives, to ensure sustainable solutions for the future.
