Mongolian yak fiber begins to be put on the global market

Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/. Through the Green Gold-Livestock Health Project funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the distinct qualities of Mongolia’s nomadic livestock products have been digitally certified. The measure is aimed to improve the competitiveness of the products in foreign and domestic markets by enhancing the processing of livestock commodities. Aside from enhancing the quality of products and exporting them, it creates the conditions for further developing the veterinary field and meeting the consumers’ demand for safe, environmentally friendly products, highlighted SDC Deputy Director Benoit Meyer-Bisch. Thus on March 10, a full traceability system named ‘Responsible Nomads’ consisting of three digital modules has been presented to the Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Light Industry. In other words, as the ministry in charge of the sector is now responsible for further developing the system. The system’s digital modules include: • an Animal Husbandry Welfare Information System • a Herd Management Planning System • and a Milk Supply Traceability System. During the ceremony, Mr. Benoit Meyer-Bisch said, “By using the system, herders are able to have proper structure in their livestock, making it possible to organize higher quality pasture management. The productivity of livestock products will increase alongside pasture improvements,” and noted that the Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Light Industry will be fully in charge of the system, while the SDC will monitor its usage and implementation. As of today, two types of products have been registered in the Responsible Nomads system, and supplied to foreign and domestic consumers. About this matter, ‘Green Gold’ project manager Ts.Enkh-Amgalan noted that currently over 20 cooperatives are supplying 60 tons of fiber to over 10 factories, creating an income of USD 10 million. Compared to other countries with similar ecosystems, Mongolia has a healthy pasture. Furthermore, the project was initially launched in order to promote the country’s nomadic animal husbandry. The system will serve as an opportunity to bring products sourced from nomadic herders to the global market.”