Nagaland undertakes project to popularize Thutho Cattle

Our Correspondent
Kohima | November 29

Nagaland Advisor for Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services and Women Resource Development R Khing inaugurated the Community Thutho Project at Kidima under Kohima district on November 29.

Community Thutho Project is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying under Rashtriya Gokul Mission during 2020-21.

Khing said that initially characterization of Thutho was done by few scientists from NRCM-ICAR, Jharnapani. This was jointly pursued by the Department of AH&VS, NLDB and NBAGR (National Bureau of Animal Genetics & Research) and Thutho was finally registered as a new cattle breed of India on the January 24, 2020 with Accession Number India- Cattle -1400 Thutho 03047.

During past years, only marginal support could be extended to Thutho farmers in the form of materials for sheds, fencing, dewormers etc, he said.

This Community Thutho Project is the first CSS for development, conservation and propagation of Thutho after its recognition as a breed. As per 20th Livestock Census the population of Thutho is only 59, 895. However, Thutho population is declining further as there is no organized management/breeding system in place.
 
Advantages of Thutho Cattle
Talking on advantages of Thutho Cattle, he said, “It is hardy and capable of moving in all kinds of terrains, well adapted to our climatic condition and good drought animal.”  The meat quality of Thutho is incomparable with any other beef meat and is stated to be the best meat in the world. The dung manure of Thutho is considered superior in quality. It has high disease resistance, he added.
 
Selection of Kidima for Thutho project
On selection of Kidima village for Thutho project, Khing said the people of Kidima rear Thutho mainly for three benefits- meat, dung for gardening and for important occasions. Major income of the Kidima farmers is from organic vegetable gardening which is successful due to support from manure of Thutho.

It is roughly estimated to have an annual turnover of more than Rs 3 crore, he said while adding that it is almost a ‘zero input’ animal with an assured income of over Rs 30,000 per animal.
Khing said that in order to strengthen and support the farmers with scientific know-how on breeding, an organized rearing system and pasture management through technical input from experts has been set up and Kidima village has been selected to convert into a Model village.

“To facilitate trainings, the project has also been included with a training centre, office with basic amenities and living quarters for herdsman,” the advisor said adding that improvised dung pits have also been provided for farmers to gather enhanced quality manure of their animals individually.

Also, to facilitate all the khels, three sheds have been constructed strategically to cater to their need with a capacity to hold over 200 Thutho cattle, he said.

“As the topography and climatic conditions of our state is suitable for Thutho rearing and is profitable, we should all put our best efforts in promoting Thutho rearing for the economic upliftment of our people,” he added. Further, he encouraged Kidima to set an example and lead the way.

Er Zale Neikha, Advisor, Youth Resources and Sports, Nagaland also spoke on the occasion.

Earlier, the advisor along with the department officials and village leaders inspected the sites of Tsukhwezou, Kithozou and Ketsazou. The inaugural function was chaired by Khrupi Sothu, secretary Department of AH & Vety Services, Nagaland. Dr Neikeyielie Theunuo, managing director, NLDB delivered keynote address while Kidima Village Council chairman Zakutol Thol delivered short speech. Vote of thanks was proposed by Dr Kuokehebi Gwirie, project co-coordinator, NLDB.