KOHIMA, SEPTEMBER 2: In a landmark achievement for the department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, the ‘Tenyi Vo’ (Tenyi Pig), a local breed has been recognised as a breed among the Indian pigs by the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR).
This announcement was made today by the department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services during a press conference held at the department’s office premises.
It was informed that the concerned department conducted a breed survey report on ‘Tenyi Vo’ and the same was submitted to NBAGR in 2013. The recognition was finally approved on June 21, informed the Director of AH&VS, Dr. IP Khala.
The new pig breed ‘Tenyi Vo’ is recorded as a local breed and is indigenous to the districts of Kohima, Peren and Phek of Nagaland State and Senapati district in Manipur State. The nomenclature of the newly recognized breed was also derived at, since the breed is reared only by the Tenyimi tribes.According to the department officials, ‘Tenyi Vo’ has so many positive characters and is considered as a meat of ‘very good quality’ with a distinctive flavor. The breed is unique for its ‘very early sexual maturity’ among the male pigs (60-90 days), excellent mothering quality and pendulous belly almost reaching the ground.
Since time immemorial, ‘Tenyi Vo’ has been reared mainly for pork production by the Tenyimi people. Though, it is considered as a domestic animal, it survives much better in natural conditions, that is, roaming freely in the jungles and villages. The estimated population of ‘Tenyi Vo’ in Nagaland is about 60,000 to 70,000, the department official informed.
‘Tenyi Vo’ pigs have a strong and long tapering snout, small erect ears and bright alert eyes. It is predominantly black in colour with white markings on the forehead, flanks and legs. The tail is long and usually ends with a white switch. Adult pig weighs from 35-50 kg and even to the extent of 60-70 kg. It has a life span of 5-6 years, it was informed.
At the press conference, Khala expressed happiness with the recognition of the new breed. To this, he lauded the department officials, particularly Dr. M Catherine Rutsa, Assistant Professor & PI ICAR-AICRP, Nagaland University, for her relentless effort towards the recognition of the new breed.
Stating that Nagas are experts in pig breeding, Khala said the department is gearing up and doing its best to achieve more on this front. Mention be made that a book on ‘Nagaland Pig Breeding Policy’ was launched by Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Radha Mohan Singh, on August 6 during his visit to inaugurate the College of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry in Jalukie, Peren.
With the recognition of the new breed, he also assured that the concerned department will render more of its effort to improve and develop the breed.
Principal Scientist of NBAGR, Dr. RK Pundir, who also attended the programme, lauded the State’s veterinary department for the achievement. Stating that it’s not easy for any livestock breed to get recognized by the NBAGR, he expressed hope that the recognition of the new breed will immensely help the department as it surges ahead to achieve more.
Dr. Vilatuo Rutsa, POU member NEPED, while highlighting the present status of pig and its importance, underlined the need to develop piggery farming and further to come up with new breed.
Stating that Nagaland is a meat consuming State- almost 10 times of the national average, he urged upon the need for Nagas to come up with piggery farming so as to save money from going outside the State. It was learned that the State spends about Rs 755 crores on meat consumption out of which Rs 302 crores are spend on import from outside the State.
Others who shared their experiences and inputs were Dr. M Catherine Rutsa, Assistant Professor & PI ICAR-AICRP on Pig, Nagaland Centre, LPM department, Nagaland University, SASRD, Medziphema campus; and Dr. Simon Ao, joint director, AH&VS, among others.
