Shillong, November 22 (MExN): The first ever awareness programme cum farmers scientist interaction on scientific mithun rearing was jointly organized by ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun, Medziphema, Nagaland and KVK-East Khasi Hill District, Meghalaya with an aim to explore the possibilities of introducing Mithun (Bos frontalis) in Meghalaya. The programme was held in Mawphlang Village, Upper Shillong, East Khasi Hill District on November 21 and 22. The programme was formally inaugurated by the chief guest Kenned C. Khyriem, MLA Mawphlang constituency & Parliamentary Secretary, Department of Tourism Government of Meghalaya. Altogether 150 farmers with 50 officials from various institutions have attended the programme. Different ICAR Institutes namely ICAR-NRC on Mithun, Nagaland, ICAR-Research Complex for NEH Region, Barapani, Meghalaya, Department of Veterinary & AH, Government of Meghalaya, Department of Agriculture, Government of Meghalaya, KVK-East Khasi Hills District, Meghalayaput up their respective stalls to display the farmers friendly technologies. Director, ICAR-NRCM Abhijit Mitra, in his opening remarks welcomed all the dignitaries and farmer friends. He apprized about the mandate of the Institute and various initiative and technologies generated. Speaking on the occasion, Kenned C. Khyriem expressed hope that such events would bring awareness in local communities regarding adoption of mithun husbandry as an alternative source of livelihood as well as will reduce the import of meat. Scientific Mithun rearing would also help in rejuvenation of the forests cover, he added. Farmers-scientist interactions were organized where farmers expert opinion for the problem faced by them on various aspects of animal husbandry. Team of scientists visits Lyngkien Village A team of scientists visited the Lyngkien Village of Mawphalang Block, Meghalaya on November 21 to assess the animal husbandry & agricultural practices prevailing in the block and to explore the possibilities of introducing a new bovine species (Mithun-Bos frontalis) for the first time in Meghalaya. The team comprised of Dr MK Khan, Dr. Akhilesh Kumar, Iadahunlang Kharkangor, Aibenrihun Lyngeloh, Bakordalin Chyne, Sumberlang Malngiang, Geinalda (SRF), Imsusosang Longkumer, RA and SB Hazarika (SRF) from ICAR-National Centre on Mithun, Medziphema (ICAR-NRCM), Nagaland and Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), East-Khasi Hills, Upper Shillong. A press release stated that the farmers of different villages of Mwaphlang block had visited the ICAR-NRCM previously and had been given training of scientific mithun husbandry. The farmers have shown keen interest in mithun husbandry. Keeping in view the large interest of farmers, ICAR-NRCM has taken the initiative to explore the possibility of mithun rearing in the Meghalaya. The team interacted with 24 farmers of the village and collected the first hand information through Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) method about the availability of feeds & fodder resources for the livestocks, matrix ranking of crops, village map, seasonal calender, major problems of crops & animal husbandry, sources of livelihood’s of farmers as well as income generation of the farmers. Based on the information, a resource map of the village was created. Subsequently, on November 22 ICAR-NRCM and KVK-East Khasi Hills Districts organized an awareness programme cum farmer’s scientist interaction on Scientific Mithun Husbandry at Sacred Goove, Mawphalang.
