Promotion of indigenous cow breed stressed
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, December 17 2022:
Additional chief secretary P Vaiphei has stressed the need for taking up measures to promote indigenous breeds of cow, which is most suitable with the climatic condition of the state, by providing incentives to farmers.
Speaking as chief guest at the closing ceremony of a two -day local (desi) cow mela held at Oinam Sagol Kangjeibung, Bishnupur district on Friday, P Vaiphei informed that the government is discussing for organising future editions of the fair by changing the name from desi cow to Yelhou San or something more suitable in local context.
The government would be organising such fairs at least in six of the 21 blocks of the state, he said.
Indigenous breeds of cows are strong, beautiful and healthy.
They can be used in agricultural activities.
Unfortunately, number of farmers rearing the indigenous breed is decreasing in the state.
At the same time, grazing grounds are also disappearing rapidly, he said, while emphasising the need for developing more grazing grounds and promoting farmers rearing indigenous breeds.
Veterinary and animal husbandry services director Dr Ng Ibotombi said the cattle farming is an integral part of natural farming.
The fair was organised with the objective to promote cattle rearing and encourage natural farming.
It is also an attempt to repopulate the dwindling number of indigenous breeds of cows, he said.
Thounaojam Suresh of Utlou Mayai Leikai, who showcased a three-year-old bull, won the first prize in the competition in bull category.
He was awarded Rs 50,000 in cash.
Five-year old bull of Thoudam Sarat of Oinam Ward No 4 won the second prize, which carries Rs 25,000 in cash while 5-year-old bull of Thoudam Memcha of Oinam Mayai Leikai won the third prize and carried home a cash reward of Rs 12,500.In the cow category, 7-year-old cow of Nongthombam Nungshithoi of Oinam Ward No 1, 5-year-old cow of Sarangthem Samungou of Oinam Ward No 2 and two and half-year old cow of Sarangthem Manitomba of Keinou Thongkha won the top three awards respectively.
The awards carry same cash prizes with
those of bulls.