Scientists encourage Ukhrul farmers to rear Mithun
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network

Imphal, December 17 2012: Scientists have encouraged the Ukhrul farmers to keep rearing Mithun (Bos Frontalis) as their main occupation by abandoning the traditional jhum cultiavation.

Experts from ICAR, National Research Centre (Nagaland) and activists from Manipur participated at the two-day awareness programme entitled, "Technology Injection Programme on Mithun---Mithun Rearing for Economic and Nutritional Security and Environment Protection", which was held at the Indo-Myanmar border village of Nambashi Khullen (under Kasom Khullen subdivision, Ukhrul district) from December 14 to 15 .

The event was organised jointly by National Research Centre of Mithun (Nagaland), North East Border Area Development Organisation (NEBADO), Manipur and Kashung Bungtung village of Kasom Khullen.

Joint Director of ICAR Dr Narendra Prakash graced the occasion while experts like Dr Sabyasachi Mukherjee, a senior scientist of NRC), Dr Th Debendra Kumar, Joint Director of the Department of Animal Husbandry, government of Manipur, Dr KK Baruah, Principal Scientist (NRC), Dr V Singh, scientist (NRC) and Paisho Keishing, president of NEBADO spoke on the occasion.

Dr Sabyasachi Mukherjee said rearing Mithun can check the deforestation saying that when the farmers started engaging in this occupation, they will loose interest in jhumming which is harmful to the environment.

He said it is more economical to keep Mithun than jhumming.

According to him, the value of one Mithun can be worth the whole year's toil of a family in jhum cultivation.

Dr KK Baruah encouraged the villagers to take interest in Mithun rearing saying this occaupation can generate employment.

He said the rearing of Mithun is more easier and beneficial than that of jhumming.

Dr V Singh, Dr Th Devendra Kumar, Dr Blesso Sailo, Dr Loken (Vet), B Kumar Sharma (ICAR) gave awareness lectures on Mithun rearing.

According to NEBADO president Paisho Keishing, a full grown Mithun is worth Rs 50,000 or even more these days and it will take only 3 to 4 years for a Mithun to be a full grown.

Paisho Keishing narrated that the milk of Mithun is of very high quality which is superior to that of cows.

The NEBADO president also said that Mithun can be used for many purposes such as for ploughing and as a carrier (beast of burden).

He said leather from the skin of Mithun is considered by the manufacturers as one of the best.

Farmers of the area were happy to participate in the two-day event.

There are over 100 Mithuns at present in the Nambashi Khullen area currently.

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