Dr N Mhonchan Shitiri
The demand for protein from animal source surpasses the demand for carbs, fruits, vegetables and all other food items put together in Nagaland which is vice versa in the rest of the country.
In economics parlance, when there is imbalance in supply-demand chain it is referred to as inflation- which means you spend more money but get lesser your needs. This is what is happening in Nagaland- a kilo of skinned beef is now Rs.300 in Dimapur and a castrated chevon ( khaasi) in Kohima is Rs.700 or more equivalent to an ounce of silver.
So to have certain level of equilibrium in supply and demand for meat, milk, egg we need to harness ourselves by re-inventing our indigenous livestock and poultry genetic resources and rear them in sync with the exotic breeds which we have almost lost them. Climate change is impacting every sphere of life and animal husbandry is no exception and to mitigate this problem animal husbandry activities today has to be climate resilient and environment friendly.
For the Nagas, backyard rearing of livestock and poultry birds is an age old tradition and literally we reside with our domestic animals. Besides its foulness and germination of other health hazards from their dung, urine, droppings etc emission of gas like methane, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide through their belching, burping, farting contributes significantly to greenhouse gas. To this affect, our indigenous animals and birds are more greenhouse gas emission friendly.
Suggestions on climate resilient and adaptable animal husbandry options;
1. Indigenous pig - Our indigenous pigs are known and called by different names by different tribes but is registered as Tenyi-vo as a breed. It is now largely reared in Phek and Kohima district. It is adaptable and resilient to our changing climatic conditions and can grow on minimal inputs and can survive on simple housing and management. The end result is the meat is tender, lean and delicious.
2. Indigenous cattle - Our indigenous cattle is also known and called by different names by different tribes but is registered as Thutho as a distinct breed. Again it is largely reared in Phek and Kohima district. For protection of agriculture and horticulture crops, it is herded by a herdsman selected by the villagers on a community (Khuti) system. The meat is not only tender and delicious but their urine, dung and foraging enriches the soil and so the milk also contains all essential vitamins, trace minerals and so palatable for children, infirm and convalescents.
3. Goat - Mahatma Gandhi described goat as a’ poor man’s cow’ because goat rearing is a great economic support to a large section of population in the rural areas and it gives the same benefit as cow except in quantity and volume. They can graze on any grass and browse on weeds, brush, shrub and woody perennials and can survive on harsh environment and poor quality land with less afflictions and diseases. The meat chevon is very tender, lean and milk is easily digestible as the fat globules are small- good for children, olds and infirm. 5-10 goats can be easily managed by a single household with good returns.
4. Sheep - A sheep because of its docileness is nick named as Judas sheep because it will follow the judas goat to the slaughter while the goat is spared. Sheep are hardy animals and can adapt to any agro-climatic conditions. The meat mutton is synonymous to different cuisines the world over eaten without any prejudice and the fleece is a costly wool. A shepherd can flock dozens of sheep without much recurring inputs.
5. Buffalo - Pasture fed buffalo meat is known as red beef or carabeef and is eaten for its vigor and strength. Low lying areas with oasis like Baghty, Jaluki, Meluri, Tuli are very suitable for rearing buffaloes. They are reared for meat, milk and for draught purposes like tilling, logging, carriage etc. Buffalo milk has the highest fat content so it is used for making skimmed milk, ghee, butter, dahi, yoghurt et al.
6. Desi fowl - Our desi cock not only crows and wakes us up in the morning but provides us good textured and nutritious meat as they feed on anything that is in the soil with few grains. Unlike broilers and kruilors, a hen can lay and hatch her own chicks and this natural broodiness quality of our desi fowl is an economic advantage to our farmers. They can survive and sustain in wild jungle condition with good resistance and can be reared along with low technology birds like kruilor.
