Why in the News?

Arunachal Pradesh, a northeastern state, achieved a noteworthy milestone as the distinctive and culturally important yak milk product known as 'Yak Churpi' has received the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

About 'Yak Churpi':

• Yak Churpi is a special dairy product crafted from the milk of the indigenous Arunachali yak breed.
• It's produced by Brokpas, tribal yak herders who migrate with their yaks to higher altitudes (above 10,000 ft) during summers and return to mid-altitude mountainous areas in winters.
• These exceptional yaks are primarily found in the West Kameng and Tawang districts of Arunachal Pradesh.
• Churpi is a naturally fermented dairy item with a high protein content.
• It plays a vital role in the diets of tribal communities living in the cold, mountainous regions of the state.
• It's often used as a vegetable substitute and is a common ingredient in vegetable and meat dishes, frequently enjoyed with rice.
• The GI tag for Yak Churpi has significant benefits, including the conservation of yaks and the improvement of the socio-economic status of yak herders.
• Arunachali yaks are unique in terms of their body characteristics, size, strain, and weight, making them the only registered yak breed in India.