Dimapur, Sep.4 (EMN): one day Stakeholders workshop on “Semi intensive Mithun Farming as an Alternative Source of Livelihood “ was inaugurated by Chief Minister of Mizoram Lalthanhawla, jointly organised by ICAR - NRC on Mithun, Medziphema Nagaland & A.H & Vety Dept. Govt.of Mizoram in Aijal Club, Mizoram, on September 2.
Dr.Trilochan Mohapatra Secretary (DARE) & DG (ICAR) Govt of India graced the occasion as guest of honour.
It was stated that, according to the latest livestock census 2012, there are only 3212 Mithun in Mizoram. In order to increase the mithun population in the state, Mizoram Mithun Production and Development Project under NEDP was also launched on the same day. Under this project, A.H & vety Dept intends to establish one Intensive mithun farm and 5 semi intensive mithun ranches at Thenzawl in Mizoram. Commemorating the launching of the Mithun Project in Mizoram, Lalthanhawla unveiled a statue of mithun.
The chief guest, CM of Mizoram on his inaugural speech mentioned how Mithun or ‘Sial’ in Mizo occupies special socio- economic status in Mizo culture. To own a mithun is considered a sign of prosperity and it is a revered animal used in various festivities, rituals, marriage gift and also to settle disputes among the locals however its potential as a source of alternative livelihood has never been really explored before. He called mithun a secular meat animal with no religious taboos, unlike beef which makes its scope in the market much better than other meat animals. He hopes that the mithun production and development project will serve as a milestone development for mithun stakeholders in the state, it added.
Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary, DARE and DG (ICAR), Govt. of India stated that ICAR is fully committed to the development of agricultural sector in North eastern states and will continue to provide financial,and technical input for the cause. He also mentioned that ICAR-NRC on Mithun will open two demonstration unit of semi-intensive mithun rearing in the state and will soon be signing a memorandum of understanding.
Dr. Abhijit Mitra, Director, ICAR-NRC on Mithun, Nagaland stressed the potential of mithun as a multi-purpose livestock species. Besides, meat, mithun can be explored as a source of milk, hide (leather) and drought. He further emphasized the need for a bankable scheme for mithun farming and promoting this animal as a “nature’s gardener”.
Mithun farmers from various parts of Mizoram attended the workshop. In the Scientists-Stakeholders interactions, the Scientists from ICAR - NRC on Mithun Nagaland presented papers on Mithun Feeding, housing, and breeding management.
Local MLA Sri. T. Sangkunga, Dr. S.V. Ngachang, Director, ICAR-RCNEHR, Umiama, Meghalaya; Dr. Kthiresan, Dean, CoVS, CAU, Seleshi; Dr. S.V. Bsanath, Head, Regional Station; Dr, Vineet Bhasin, PS (Animal Science Division), ICAR, New Delhi were also present.
