Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio stressed on the need to preserve Mithun as it reflected the identity, unique tradition and rich culture of Nagaland.
Mithun, which is also the state animal, is a prestige for the Nagas since time immemorial therefore the practice of indigenous Mithun rearing should be preserved, Rio said while inaugurating the ‘Mithun Bull Mother Farm’ at Puliebadze, Jotsoma Kohima on Saturday.
It was for this very reason Rio said the state government adopted Mithun as the state emblem.
Rio lauded the villagers of Jotsoma for allowing the project to become a reality in their community forest measuring around 3500 hectare at Mt. Puliebadze area, which is also a tourist destination.
He therefore urged the villagers to play a contributory role towards realising the project along with the Veterinary department so that this project would be an eye-opener to others.
Advisor animal husbandry and veterinary services and women development, R. Khing said the pilot project was initiated under the centrally sponsored scheme– Rashtriya Gokul Mission, to protect bovine population.
The area was proposed and selected after properly studying its topography, climate, vegetation and most importantly the natural habitat and the experiences in mithun farming practices.
Khing thanked the villagers and the village council of Jotsoma for providing the reserved forest area to rear mithun population.
He emphasized that mithun rearing must be propagated, preserved and also be made as a tourist attraction besides boosting the economy.
Local MLA, Keneizhako Nakhro in his address thanked the chief minister and the department for initiating the project. He said the project was long felt desire of the people and hoped that the project would be bear fruits. Nakhro also assured to cooperate with the government as per the rearing guidelines.
Managing Director Nagaland Livestock Development Board Dr. Neikeyielie Theünuo in his keynote address said the main objective of the project was to to conserve, develop and propagate indigenous Mithun in its native breeding tract and to develop and produce desired progenies of pure Naga strain through selective breeding for further propagation and multiplication of superior bulls to other breeding tract.
Under the scheme, he said state received Rs. 150 lakhs during 2017-18 and Rs. 50 lakhs during 2018-19 and besides Puliebadze, Mithun Bull Mother Farm was also inaugurated at Lerie, Kohima.
The newly inaugurate farm has two Mithun shed that can accommodate up to 100 elite Mithun with attendant barrack to accommodate two Mithun boys. The farm also consists of office cum training centre to conduct research and training on Mithun.
Meanwhile, all the Mithuns belonging to individuals were procured by NLDB and handed over to JVC for the project. Project co-ordinator NLDB, Dr. Kuokehebi Gwirie proposed vote of thanks.
Advisor urban and municipal affairs Dr. Nicky Kire, commissioner and secretary KD Vizo, senior government officials, officials from the department of AH&VS, JVC and others attended the inaugural programme.
Rio takes a break, drives off-road
The chief minister took some off from his busy schedule as he drove himself off-road up to the foothills of Mt. Japfü peak.
Much to the surprise of his entourage, the 71-year old, displayed his adventurous instinct and driving skills, as the road was tricky and treacherous.
Fine tuning his Ford Endeavour, Rio negotiated the steep climb, turnings and overcame the slippery patches caused by the drizzle. Interacting with media persons on his return, Rio invited tourists to explore the beauty of nature especially during the blooming season of rhododendron flowers adding that every age group can be with nature.
Advisor urban and municipal affairs Dr. Nicky Kire, Keneizhako Nakhro, MLA; commissioner secretary KD Vizo and his son Kechangulie Rio were among those who accompanied the daring chief minister.