Union Minister sees ‘unity in diversity’ in the Mithun

Dr. Harsh Vardhan visit Mithun Farm at Jharnapani Inaugurate DBT-funded ‘Biotech Infrastructure Facility’ Morung Express News Dimapur | April 18   Union Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Science, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, today said the majestic ‘Mithun’ (bros frontalis), the emblem of Nagaland state, has the potential to touch every Naga household – economically and emotionally.   The Union Minister said the Mithun could as well become not only the symbol of the Naga people but exemplify the ‘unity in diversity’ that is India and help in strengthening the bond-ship between different communities in the country.   On his maiden tour to Nagaland, the Union Minister first visited the ‘Mithun Farm’ at ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun, Jharnapani and later inaugurated the DBT-funded ‘Biotech Infrastructure Facility’ at ICAR-NRC on Mithun complex.   At the Biotech Infrastructure Facility inaugural function, Vardhan in his address confessed that during his visit to the Mithun Farm, he developed a sort of “emotional bond-ship” with the Mithun, which he had seen for the first time. He said Science and modern technology have the potential to solve myriad unsolved problems in the country including health care, especially women and children, and mitigate the plight of farmers.  

Within Science, life science or biotechnology can improve the quality of life of the citizens, he said. The Union minister expressed optimism that the biotech infrastructure facility would not only boost research in Mithun rearing and protection but also go a long way in uplift of the rural economy.   Lauding the research and allied activities of ICAR-NRC on Mithun, Vardhan said the Mithun ‘rasgola’ he tasted for the first time was the best ‘rasgola’ he had eaten in his life. Towards this end, the Union minister assured that he would promptly look into the request of ICAR-NRC on Mithun for setting up of rasgola manufacturing unit.   Vardhan said he would discuss the matter with Nagaland Governor and chief minister and also request the Union Agriculture minister to visit ICAR-NRC on Mithun so that the latter could also see the potential of Mithun. Advisor, DBT, New Delhi, Dr. T Madhan Mohan, also addressed the gathering. Earlier, director, ICAR-NRC on Mithun, Dr. Abhijit Mitra, delivered the welcome address.