Nagaland spends Rs 231 crore annually on import of livestock
Chizokho Vero
Saptiqa | March 16
The need to conserve and increase the population of Mithun in Nagaland from the existing numbers of 35, 000 plus was stressed on today at the Mithun Mela cum Regional Livestock Show held in Saptiqa under Zunheboto district. Mithun is the state animal of Nagaland and featured in the state logo. Recently, Nagaland Governor, PB Acharya had also called for efforts to increase the animal’s population up to at least a lakh in the state.
Today’s Mithun mela brought several Mithun farmers together to showcase the wealth and pride of Mithuns and its benefits in boosting the rural economy.
The Mela aims to increase awareness regarding scientific methods of rearing, disease and opportunity for farmers to exchange views and update technical skills, said Parliamentary Secretary for Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, S Chuba Longkumer.
He said the department is giving its best to encourage the Mithun farmers and has already assisted over 130 Mithun rearing villages in the state.
Longkumer said since time immemorial, the Mithun has been deeply rooted in the life of Nagas. In all important social events, ceremonies, in the barter trade etc, the number of Mithuns used was considered a social standing. Parliamentary Secretary for Law & Justice and SIRD, Er. Picto meanwhile made an appeal to the department to spontaneously assist Mithun projects in Saptiqa area. There are about 250 Mithuns in Saptiqa area.
“I own six Mithun. It is beneficial to rear Mithun as a single Mithun fetches upto Rs. 1 lakh,” said Shitokhe Awomi of Zhevishe village who won second prize in the best bull category.
“Mithun rearing is viable here and I will continue to engage in it,” said Niheto of Shena Old village who too owns six Mithun. He owns a Mithun weighing 300-400 kgs.
Appreciating the government for organizing the mela, Niheto, the winner in the best bull category requested the government to continue to assist the Mithun farmers.
MK Mero, Commissioner and Secretary for Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services informed that the state has a shortfall of meat production. The state, he added spends Rs 231 crore annually on import of livestock with Rs 92 crore on pork alone.
Stating that the department had set a target to attain self sufficiency in livestock production by 2025, he called upon the people to increase the livestock production. He assured that the department will continue to assist Mithun farmers in the state.
Dr. Abhijit Mitra, Director, ICAR- NRC on Mithun, Medziphema meanwhile said that the Mithun does not destroy forests; rather it helps the forest to grow better. He encouraged the people of Saptiqa area to rear more Mithuns and gain maximum benefit from it.
He also encouraged Mithun farmers to conserve the biggest and healthiest Mithuns for breeding purpose. Dr. IP Khala, Director, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services also spoke during the occasion.
A Mithun herd display was also held at Ustomi and Shena old/new village. The programme was jointly organized by the Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, Nagaland and ICAR- National Research Centre on Mithun, Medziphema.
