Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, MARCH 27
THE National Research Centre of Mithun (NRCM) in commemoration of its silver jubilee year held an interface meeting with Dr. S. Ayyappan, Secretary, DARE and DG, ICAR as chief guest. While Benjongliba Aier(parliamentary secretary, Agriculture), Yitachu (parliamentary secretary, Veterinary and Animal Husbandry),Dr. S. N. Puri (Vice chancellor , CAU, Imphal) and Prof. K.M.L. Pathak, DDG (AS) graced the event as special invitees. Dr. S. Ayyappan in his speech affirmed that it was only natural that the Mithun head should be the state logo as the NRCM centre has through its successful work revealed the status that this animal occupies in the society.
Benjongliba Aier in his short speech lauded the NRCM for work not only in Nagaland but neighboring states and the benefits the institution has brought to the people. Aier remarked that the milestone of the NRCM silver jubilee,also signals that it is also the right time to start and plan for activities which will help the centre flourish in many ways, as the Mithun continues to be a very important animal to the community.
Parliamentary Secretary Yitachu stated that ICAR, NRCM recalled the contribution of the NRCM to the people of the state and the manner in how they have increased the availability of meat for the ever growing population. He said that the tireless and dedicated efforts of the team in NRCM, have changed the economic face of 300 to 400 villages in the state which are benefiting by the Mithun rearing project. Yitachu. He also encouraged the farmers to come forward and be benefit from the expertise the institute offers.
Vice Chancellor of CAU, Imphal, Dr. S. N. Puri encouraged all the members present to rewind the lock of the last 25 years and see if lessons from the past can help shape the future
Prof.(DDG) (AS) K.M.L. Pathak speaking on the occasion said the Mithun is equally important in other parts of the region and cited that NRCM should plan in promoting the centre by planning and upgrading the needs of the farmers with latest technologies. He also highlighted that Mithuns since reared mainly in the wilds, there was little known on its health and reproductive system.The NRCM scientists he said with their dedicated efforts have generated substantial information during their 25 years of existence.
The researchers of NRCM along with farmers have also discovered 266 plant species which assist in the growth and production of Mithun, highlighted Dr. C. Rajkhowa, Director NRCH in his welcome address.
An exhibition to mark the occasion was inaugurated by the chief guest, Dr. S Ayappan.
