Mithun statue unveiled at Dimapur Airport

A statue of Mithun, the state animal of Nagaland was unveiled by Union Minister of Fisheries, Dairying and Animal Husbandary Giriraj Singh at the arrival hall of Dimapur airport on November 10.

Dimapur, November 10 (MExN): A statue of Mithun, the state animal of Nagaland was unveiled by Union Minister of Fisheries, Dairying and Animal Husbandary Giriraj Singh at the arrival hall of Dimapur airport on November 10.

While unveiling the statue, Singh hailed the initiative of ICAR as well the NRC on Mithun in promoting Mithun husbandry and popularising the species for diversified use for milk, meat and draught power. The brief ceremony was attended by Dr Joykrushna Jena, DDG (Fisheries & Animal Sciences), ICAR, New Delhi.

Mithun (Bos frontalis), enjoys a special socio–cultural status among the tribal population of the North East region. It is genetically distinct from other bovine species but considered as a close relative of its wild ancestor, Gaur (Bos gaurus). This magnificent and unique bovine species has a limited geographical distribution in North-Eastern hilly states of India, hill districts of Bangladesh, northern Burma and in Yunnan province of China.

Since time immemorial, mithun is traditionally reared as a meat animal under free-range forest ecosystem. Being the “Nature’s Gardener,” Mithun farming in its natural habitat helps in conserving and rejuvenating the forest. Besides, it also has the potential for the production of milk, hides, and draught power. Mithun farming, under semi-intensive rearing, can serve as an additional means of livelihood.

Dr Abhijit Mitra, Director, ICAR-NRC on Mithun informed that the statue of Mithun is erected under the continued endeavor of the Institute to create awareness about the importance of Mithun.  Dr Mitra acknowledged M Zhimo, Director, Airport Authority of India (AAI) for extending all-out help.