Nagaland & Manipur hold Mithun Mela in Kamjong district
Imphal, February 14 (MExN): Technology awareness programme cum Mithun Mela was conducted in Mawai village under Kamjong district of Manipur on February 14.
The programme was organized by ICAR-NRC on Mithun, Nagaland in collaboration with KVK Ukhrul, Manipur. The objective of the programme was to create awareness among Mithun farmers about scientific rearing of Mithun in remote villages of Manipur for enhancing productivity using technologies already developed by ICAR-NRC on Mithun, Nagaland.
Dr Narendra Prakash, former Director of ICAR research complex for NEH region, Barapani graced the occasion as a chief guest. In his inaugural speech, chief guest urged the farmers to adopt the technologies available with Mithun institute for improvement of Mithun. He also emphasized that jhuming and rampant deforestation in Manipur and Nagaland is a major constraint in Mithun production and development.
Dr Prakash also said that the line department should also come forward and take part in dissemination of the technologies.
Dr MH Khan, principal Scientist from ICAR-NRC on Mithun in his welcome address highlighted the challenges faced by the farmers in rearing mithun under free range system and emphasised the introduction of semi- intensive model of rearing for better production.
Altogether, a total of 365 farmers attended the programme, where about 35 numbers of Mithun were brought to the site. All animals were vaccinated against FMD, HS and BQ diseases which are the major cause of mortality in Mithun. Inputs in the form of common veterinary medicines, mineral mixtures, deworming medicines, ointments and antibiotics were distributes to the farmers.
The Mela also adjudged 'best Mithun cows, best Mithun heifer and best Mithun calf.' A total of 9 farmers were awarded with certificate and prize. A farmer was also awarded for bringing maximum number of Mithun (8). Farmer-Scientist interaction was held in the concluding session.
The programme was attended by the Chief Technical office, Dr Kobu khate, Senior Scientist & Head of KVK Ukhrul, Manipur, Dr PK Saraswat, Senior Scientist & Head, KVK Taminlong, Dr Lalzampuia and Dr Sunitibala Devi. The programme was coordinated by Dr Sapunii Stephen Hanah, Scientist, NRC on Mithun, Nagaland.
