The Mongolian National Federation of Pasture User Groups (MNFPUG), together with local associations and cooperatives, is organizing classroom and practical trainings for herders aimed at improving the quality and value of yak down and camel wool preparation.
The main objective of these activities is to train herders in combing and grading yak down according to technological and quality requirements, provide cooperatives and herder groups with the necessary equipment and tools, improve the organization of raw material preparation, and establish a sustainable supply system.
With the support of government and international development projects and programs, training on yak down combing technologies began in 2006. Since 2014, technologies for shearing and combing camel calf wool have also been introduced and promoted among herders.
The introduction of these improved technologies has significantly enhanced the quality and processing yield of yak down and camel wool, contributing to increased market value and competitiveness of these raw materials.
In recent years, national processing factories have shown growing interest in sourcing quality raw materials through Pasture User Group Associations (PUGs) and cooperatives established in rural areas with project support.
Between 2017 and 2025, cooperatives organized yak down combing and quality grading trainings in 38 soums across 17 aimags, reaching more than 4,600 herders through repeated participation. In addition, camel calf wool combing trainings were conducted in 14 soums across 7 aimags.
As a result of these efforts, the Government of Mongolia currently provides an incentive payment of 10,000 MNT per kilogram for properly prepared yak down that meets quality standards. This support has encouraged herders to improve raw material preparation and participate more actively in organized supply systems.
The trainings provide both theoretical and hands-on practical knowledge to herders on:
- Combing yak and camel calves according to animal welfare and quality standards,
- Quality grading and sorting techniques,
- Increasing the value of raw materials,
- Proper packaging, storage, and transportation methods in line with standards.
The trainings are delivered to members of local associations, herder groups, cooperatives, and other herders through combined classroom and field-based practical sessions.
This year, trainings were successfully organized for target herder communities in Khuvsgul and Khovd aimags.
Going forward, efforts will continue to strengthen herders’ knowledge and skills, develop sustainable supply systems for quality raw materials, and support the growth of Mongolia’s national processing industry through expanded cooperation and partnerships.
Mongolian National Federation of Pasture User Groups (MNFPUG)
