The office of the President of Mongolia, Public Relations & Communications Division

www.president.mn

2010-07-21

President Elbegdorj Visits A Buriyat Family

President Elbegdorj visited a local family while in Buriyatia for the Convent of the Mongols around the World.

I.G. Yovanovich family is one of the many families that still practice the traditional Mongolian ways of cattle herding. The Yovanovich’s are not nomadic; they live in a comfortable house. However, they still take care of the cattle and produce dairies just like the way Mongols did for hundreds of years, the nomadic way. The Yovanovich’s have over two hundred cows and sheep combined; as well as a barn, a gated hay field, a well, Russian-style Jacuzzi, pantry and Mongolian ger for guests—in short, the Yovanovich’s live quite comfortably. Mr. Yovanovich said, “Although winter was tough, since our preparation was good, not one cattle died.” The family enjoys a yield of about 10 liters of milk from each cow per day; they supply meat to the local meat factory as well.

“Utilizing the rich soil, almost each family grows vegetables for their own use and prepares the winter hay for the up keeping of their cattle. This way of life is not uncommon for any hardworking Buriyat family” said the Deputy Governor of the Zaigrayevsky District, A.N. Zaigrayev. He also mentioned how pleased he was to have the Mongolian President visit an ordinary Buriyat family for the first time ever.

“Our Government supports the preservation of the Buriyat language and culture; and our children and grandchildren are all studying at Buriyat schools” said a housewife, Mrs. I.D. Badamtserenova.

“Khotogor” village is just one of 2520 agronomy-based farmsteads in Buriyatia; needless to mention, the agronomy sector plays a major part in the Buriyat economy. According to 2008 news, approximately ninety percent of the agronomy-originated product is produced by the private sector.