ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun celebrated its First Mithun Day and organized a Brainstorming session on 01st September 2023.
ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun celebrated its First Mithun Day and organized a Brainstorming session on 01st September 2023. This annual celebration involved various activities aimed at promoting Mithun and fostering the overall development of the Mithun sector, thus benefiting the farmers of Mithun-rearing states.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has officially recognized Mithun as a food animal, effective from 01st September 2023. To commemorate this milestone and celebrate the recognition, ICAR-NRC on Mithun proposes to establish the "Mithun Day" on 01st September every year and the Mithun meat is named “Weeshi.” In addition, Mithun is included in the Domestic Animal Diversity Information System (DAD-IS) database.
Shri Kazheto Kinimi, Advisor of AH & Veterinary Services, Govt. of Nagaland, was the Chief Guest during the occasion. While delivering the Mithun Day speech, took a moment to compliment ICAR-NRCM's achievements in research and extension activities. Mithun occupies a significant cultural and dietary role in the indigenous communities of North East regions, he added. He pointed out that this is the right time for us to promote entrepreneurship activities in Mithun as it is recognized as a food animal. Shri Kazheto stated that rearing and consumption of Mithun not only contribute to the sustenance of these local populations but also reflect the cultural and social significance attached to this remarkable food animal.
Shri Temjen Imna Along, Hon’ ble Minister of Higher Education & Tourism, Govt of Nagaland also attended the program as the Special Invitee. While delivering the speech, he highlighted the importance of ICAR-NRCM in inspiring the Mithun farmers as it provides livelihood security and is considered an auspicious & spiritual animal. He was proud that he was a “Mithun farmer” and encouraged other farmers to take up scientific Mithun farming. He thanked the institute for providing livelihood opportunities to rural people. He in his final remarks urged all the Mithun farmers to stop the indiscriminate slaughter of well-built large-size Mithun and should be kept for breeding.
Dr. Abhijit Mitra, Animal Husbandry Commissioner, DAHD, GoI, and Former Director, ICAR - NRC on Mithun, special guest during the occasion strongly emphasized the scope of Mithun as an organic, functional, and alternative food. Dr. Mitra urged the North East Animal Husbandry Department to utilize the animal husbandry schemes demonstrating a commitment to the development of the agricultural and livestock sectors. Utilizing these schemes can lead to increased productivity, income generation, and the sustainable management of livestock resources, benefiting both farmers and the broader community, he added.
Shri M Iboyaima Meitei, Advisor (Horticulture), North East Council was a guest of honour during the occasion. He stated that Mithun is a unique and culturally significant animal that deserves preservation. This species not only plays a crucial role in the livelihoods and dietary traditions of indigenous communities but also contributes to the rich biodiversity of the regions where it is found. Conservation efforts should focus on sustainable breeding practices and habitat protection to ensure the long-term survival of Mithun, he added.
Dr. Girish Patil, S., Director, ICAR-NRCM, welcomed all the dignitaries and highlighted the salient achievements of the institute.
During this celebration, m-anitra app an online Mithun market for Mithun trading, two MoUs with NEAFI LLP (Entrepreneur), Guwahati and Life Ministry Learning Centre (NGO), Chumukedima and Bankable Mithun Project to obtain capital from Bank for Mithun rearing were released.
On this occasion, brainstorming session on " Strategies for Development of Mithun Sector in North East India" was organised. The dignitaries Dr. Nsanthung Ezung, Director, AH&VS, Nagaland, Dr. Manish Chatli, Director ICAR- Central Institute for Research on Goats, Ms. Tiakala Ao, General Manager, NABARD, Dimapur. Dr. I Shakuntala, Dean, Veterinary College, Jalukie, Prof. Akali Sema, Pro-Vice Chancellor, SASRD, Nagaland University, Dr. C Rajkhowa, Former Director, ICAR-NRC on Mithun, Dr. V. K. Vidyarthi, Professor & Dean (SET), Nagaland University, Dr. C. Ramakrishna, Pr. Scientist, ICAR-NMRI, Hyderabad, Dr. Nadeem Fairoze, Prof (retd), KVAFSU, Deputy Directors, Joint Directors and veterinary officers from Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh, Mithun farmers from Peren District, Nagaland participated in the programme.
