Dimapur, June 8 (MExN): The National Research Centre (NRC) on Mithun celebrated its 31st Foundation Day on June 8. On the occasion, Mithun Bull Shed, Experimental Sheds and Fencing of the Mithun Farm were inaugurated by Dr Joykrushna Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries and Animal Science), ICAR, New Delhi. Foundation stone of the Semen Processing Lab was also laid and tree planted in the Mithun Farm.
In the commemoration session, the chief guest Dr Jena stated that the 31 years institute has reached a vibrant age to take wise decisions and become accountable for its actions as expectations are bound to increase. The foundation day according to him is a day of introspection for the institute of its past years activities, achievements and urged the institute to set a roadmap with sectoral vision document for the next 25 to 50 years. He also spoke on its importance in livelihood security and stressed on the need to conduct behavioural studies on Mithun to better understand them.
The guest of honour, Bano Haralu, retired journalist and wildlife conservationist said that Nagaland is very rich in bio-diversity with changing vegetation every 1000 ft change in altitude. But due to rampant hunting and traditional sacrificial practices there is drastic decrease in the wild life population. She stressed on the need to safeguard eco-system. Captain G D Rao, Dean, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, CAU, Jalukie, Nagaland and guest of honour lauded the efforts of the institute over the years and stressed on the need to target the upcoming youths on the conservation of Mithun.
Dr Abhijit Mitra, Director of the Institute, welcomed the dignitaries and gave a brief description on Mithun and its population dynamics in the existing scenario.
Awards to the best employees of the Institute were also given away during the programme. Under the Tribal Sub Plan, 70 rolls of barbed wires, 10 bundles of CGI sheets, 01 number of travis, 10 pairs of gumboots and 10 number of raincoats were handed over to Pungwa Village Council, Peren District, for establishment of semi-intensive Mithun rearing unit. A farmer-scientist interaction was also organized on animal husbandry.
Farmers, students from SFS School band, Medziphema and the Scientists from ICAR- Research Complex for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre participated in the program, a press release informed.
