KOHIMA, NOVEMBER 18 : Although Nagaland is home to diverse species of wild and domesticated animals and birds, there has been less or no scientific study or documentation for identification, characterisation and evaluation of species. Some species in Nagaland are believed to be on the verge of extinction.
These concerns were expressed during a brainstorming session ‘Animal genetic resources of Nagaland’ that was organised by the department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services at Hotel Japfü in Kohima town on Friday.
The event was in collaboration with the ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBAGR).
According to the 19th Livestock Census of 2012 of Animal Population of Nagaland, there has been a drastic decrease in the population of fowls at 19,95,485, swine at 5,03,688, cattle at 2,34,974 and goats at 99,350 among others.
As an integral component supporting livelihood for majority of the rural people, animal husbandry plays a significant role in generating gainful employment, besides providing cheap nutritional food. Hence, an urgent call has been placed before the department for ‘breed registration’ and conservation of genetic biodiversity before their true genetic content gets intermixed or goes extinct.
The census shows that there had been an increase of 5.42% in the mithun population in 2012 (35,258) as compared to 2007 livestock census (33,345). However, despite research and conservation programmes being conducted at NRC-Mithun, breed registration is yet to be done.
Presenting a report on the status of animal genetic resources in the state, additional director for the department Dr Viral Yore recommended strong programmes for conservation and preservation. Varieties of indigenous animals and birds form the backbone of the rural economy.
Highlighting some recent achievements, he said the Nagaland Pig Breeding Policy had been framed and approved. He also mentioned the registration of the Tenyi-Vo pig as an indigenous breed of India. Some of the works in progress include characterisation and breed registration of the Tho-Tho cattle and Sumi-ne (long-haired goat). Both these animals are said to be unique species.
Speaking at the inaugural programme as the chief guest, Parliamentary Secretary for Veterinary & Animal Husbandry S Chuba Longkumer talked about the need to explore existing livestock and poultry in the State ‘for better productivity.’
Also, he called for proper documentation of local animal breeds before their genetic identities get diluted ‘so that the potential of the local animals can be conserved and well-studied for best use in the future.’
In his keynote address, principal scientist at ICAR-NBAGR Dr Arjava Sharma said India will primarily remain an agricultural country and that the importance of agricultural growth cannot be ignored although there has been a revolution in industrial development and services.
Highlighting in brief the contribution of livestock products to the national economy, Dr Sharma said agriculture was still contributing 14% while livestock was contributing 4% to the GDP growth constantly for the past 10-20 years. The contribution of livestock was more than 25% during the past 10-20 years in agriculture, he said.
While pointing out that India had almost 529 million livestock and 719 million poultry heads, Dr Sharma maintained that it was for the assigned people to see how to best manage genetic resources, whether to consume it ‘without greed’ or use it sustainably.
Also, lamenting that the concept of genetic resource management was poorly understood in the country, he said true management was to consume something but also conserving it for the future by understanding their economic importance.
Dr. Sharma informed that the team was here to discuss about available genetic resources in the State, how they were being utilised, besides studying their significance for the state’s economy. They are ready to help the State Government to design breeding strategies for conservation and sustainable management.
Likewise, the director the department, Dr IP Khala, said, in his address, there had been a drastic change in the outlook about livestock and poultry rearing. It was once ‘available everywhere’ and acclaimed as more disease-resistant and low-cost. However, they are now available only in some pockets of the State, he said.
In this regard, Dr Khala has called for a gene bank or nucleus herds, preferably in breeding tracts ‘before imminent extinction.’ He expressed hope the State’s unique genetic resources would be identified, documented, characterised and registered ‘to evolve appropriate breeding strategies for further development and conservation.’
