Union minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Radha Mohan Singh on Sunday assured that the Centre would give all possible help for conservation of mithun, the only animal recognized as the state animal of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh.
Speaking at foundation stone laying programme of “Training–cum-Guest House” facility at ICAR-NRC on Mithun at Jharnapani, Medziphema, Singh acknowledged that Mithun had a very significant role to play in the lives of the tribal communities of the North East. Singh also unveiled a “statue of Mithun” in the campus.
In Research & Development, the minister said ICAR’s NRC mithun was the only Institute in the world dedicated purely to the research on conservation and improvement of this precious animal species. He said ICAR-NRC was working towards the development of technology for scientific rearing of mithun and that the institute had not only helped in the conservation of the biodiversity and the rich cultural heritage of the region, but also contributed to the economic development and ecological stability of the North Eastern states.
Singh further stated that the tribal community in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur was closely involved in rearing of the bovine species, called ‘mithun’. Even though, mithun may be genetically different from other bovine species, it has a genetic resemblance with its ancestor ‘gaur’, he said.
Giving out the population statistics, he said out around three lakhs mithun in India, Nagaland accounted for 12%. There is a great need for putting in breeding and conservation efforts in this direction, he said.
Singh further said that in order to bring stability in the horticulture-based farming system, animal integration was essential. “Though India possesses the largest number of milch animals in the world, yet their productivity is one of the lowest, which calls for efforts to enhance the productivity,” he added.
In this regard, the minister said that the government initiated schemes like Rashtriya Gokul Mission, Pasudhan Mission and Pasu Chikitsa Yojna under which the efforts are being made to conserve and further develop the indigenous breeds of cattle.
Nagaland chief minister, T.R. Zeliang who also spoke on the occasion highlighted the importance of mithun in the lives of the tribals. “It is the most precious animal for its majestic look and is considered as ‘black gold’ as it is presented at the time of marriage ceremony, being sacrificed at some ceremony and it is the animal which fetches maximum price compared to any other domesticated livestock used for meat purpose”, he said. Mithun also helps in conservation of forest as it requires larger area thus reduces the impact of climate change and global warming, Zeliang stated.
Mithun being the state symbol of Nagaland and also in the official seal of Nagaland, Zeliang declared that ‘Mithun Day’ would be observed by the state government along with other Mithun rearing states, for which the date would be announced soon.
He also announced that the Veterinary & Animal Husbandry department had already started sanctioning the Mithun project. He also urged upon all to put together their efforts to preserve Mithun.
Later, DARE secretary and Director General, ICAR Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra held an interaction with the scientists and staffs of the institute and reviewed the ongoing research work. He emphasized that ICAR-NRC on Mithun should work towards characterization, genetic improvement and conservation of mithun to work for genetic characterization, genetic improvement and conservation.
Earlier, ICAR-NRC on Mithun director, Dr. Abhijit Mitra delivered the welcome address and highlighted the significant achievements of the Institute. A local artist, Vikhrutu Rume was appreciated on this occasion for designing the cover page of the Annual report-2015-16.
Highlights of the programme includes traditional bamboo dance by Molvun village, cultural presentation by Patkai Christian College, while the national anthem was played by SFS school children.
Other dignitaries present on the occasion were– S. Chuba Longkumer, parliamentary secretary Veterinary & Animal Husbandry; Chhabilendra Roul, additional secy. (DARE) & Secy. (ICAR); Dr. H. Rahman, DDG, (Animal Science); Dr. A.K. Singh, DDG (Agricultural Extension); Prof. M. Premjit Singh, vice chancellor, Central Agricultural University, Imphal; Dr. Bhaskar, ADG (NRM); Dr. SV Ngachan, director, RCNEHR, Barapani’ Dr. Bidyut Deka, director, ATARI Zone-III; deans of the constituent colleges of CAU, Imphal; Dr. SK Singh, PS & Technical adviser to minister and other state officials.