Dimapur, Dec. 2 (EMN): ICAR – National Research Centre on Mithun, Medziphema, in collaboration with Pungro village in Kiphire district, organised one-day technology awareness cum Mithun mela in Pungro village on November 29. The programme was organised in active collaboration with the chief veterinary officer, Kiphire, KVK- Kiphire and NEIDA, Kiphire.
Inaugurating the semi-intensive Mithun rearing project- an initiative of ICAR-NRC on Mithun, Mohammad Ali Shihab, deputy commissioner, Kiphire, expressed appreciation to the entire team for organising the programme in a remote place like Pungro village. He also encouraged the farmers to take up Mithun farming as a profitable venture.
He also urged upon the team of experts from NRC Mithun to provide all the scientific and technical supports to the Mithun farmers of Kiphire whenever sought for. He further acknowledged the active participation of line departments such CVO, KVK, and NEIDA for the successful implementation of the project.
More than 300 farmers from five selected villages under Pungro sub-division namely Pungro village, Phuvkiu, Fakim, Penkim, and Salomi participated in the programme.
The main attraction of the mela was the display of Mithuns brought by the farmers. Awards for the best Mithun bull, heifer, calf were also presented during the programme. It was followed by farmers-scientist interaction.
Stalls were also put up by ICAR-NRC Mithun, NEIDA, veterinary department and SHGs, where technologies relating to Mithuns were showcased.
A total 350 rolls of barbed wire, 35 bundles of CGI sheets, five numbers of travis/ controlling crates, 25 pairs of gum boots, 25 numbers of rain coat, 500 numbers of ear tags, marker and applicator and mineral mixtures and medicines were distributed to the Mithun farmers of five selected villages.
Addressing the farmers, Dr. S Mukerjee, principal scientist of NRC Mithun, highlighted on the research findings carried out by the centre including rearing techniques and disease management.
He also stressed on the value addition of Mithun products particularly the leather where farmers can earn high income which otherwise is eaten or goes waste. He also proposed to undertake breed exchange programme in collaboration with CVO where NRC on Mithun would provide three improved Mithun bulls to the farmers and the farmers in return provide three Mithun bulls to ensure breed improvement in the existing herds.
