On behalf of the Pastoral / Nomadic Pastoral Communities and the Pastoral Youth Association (Maldhari Yuva Sangathan)
On the occasion of the formal launch programme of the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP 2026), the presence of Mr. A.K. Singh, Deputy Director, Animal Husbandry Department, Government of Madhya Pradesh, was a matter of great honour and pride for us. The presence of Ms. Uma Ji from the department further added dignity to the programme.
The programme was organized on 03 January 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Neelbad, Ratibad (Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh) by the Pastoral Youth Association (Maldhari Yuva Sangathan) in collaboration with the local nomadic pastoral Raika community. The event was organized under IYRP 2026 with the objective of highlighting the traditional livelihoods, rights and socio-economic contributions of pastoral and nomadic communities.
Presentation of the Declaration
On this occasion, a formal Declaration on behalf of the pastoral and nomadic pastoral communities and the Pastoral Youth Association was submitted to Mr. A.K. Singh, Deputy Director, Animal Husbandry Department, Government of Madhya Pradesh.
Through this Declaration:
• Gratitude was expressed to the Government of Madhya Pradesh for the successful conduct of the 21st Livestock Census, which has, for the first time, enabled a correct, systematic and evidence-based assessment of the situation of pastoral and nomadic communities.
• The objectives of IYRP 2026 were highlighted, with emphasis on the traditional way of life, cultural heritage and livelihoods of pastoral communities.
• The traditional role of pastoral communities in the conservation of rangelands, forests and grazing areas, as well as their contribution to the national economy, was underscored.
• Key demands were placed before the government, including safe and legal grazing arrangements in forest and grazing areas; regular veterinary services, availability of medicines and timely vaccination; administrative support, FIR registration and compensation in cases of livestock loss; and ensuring the social, legal and administrative recognition of nomadic pastoral communities.
Acknowledgement
On behalf of the Pastoral Youth Association (Maldhari Yuva Sangathan), we extend our sincere gratitude to Mr. A.K. Singh, Deputy Director, Animal Husbandry Department, Government of Madhya Pradesh, for attending the programme, listening attentively to the concerns of pastoral and nomadic communities, and engaging in positive dialogue.
We also express our heartfelt thanks to Ms. Uma Ji from the Animal Husbandry Department; the esteemed representatives of Sahjeevan and the RRA Network — Mr. Ramesh Bhatti, Kaviya Ji and Mr. Mrudul; and all supporting organizations for their cooperation and participation.
We are especially thankful to the print and electronic media of Bhopal and Madhya Pradesh for giving due coverage to the programme and for amplifying the voices of pastoral and nomadic communities to a wider audience and policymakers.
With the collective support of all, the dialogue around the rights, dignity, livelihoods and future of pastoral and nomadic communities has been further strengthened.
— Pastoral Youth Association
(Maldhari Yuva Sangathan)
Mohammad Ishak
President
Pastoral Youth Association (Maldhari Yuva Sangathan)
