Buffalo breeding farm gathering dust, in cobweb

Mission Oinam *

Buffalo breeding farm gathering dust, in cobweb :: Pix - Chronicle News Service / Mission Oinam

In 1984, a Regional Buffalo Breeding Farm under the North Eastern Council (NEC) was established at Wabagai village, Kakching district, with the aim of preserving buffaloes that contribute not only to agricultural activities but also to other sectors. However, the farm now remains neglected, gathering dust and covered in spider webs.

As a result, the dream of improving the state's economy through this farm has failed to materialise. The farm, at the time of launch, housed 100 different varieties of buffaloes. In 2007, it was brought under the ambit of the state government with around 38 female buffaloes and 12 calves, and the farm operated under the Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department.

Unfortunately, the condition of the 40-year-old farm has deteriorated significantly, and now has only 14 buffaloes with no capacity for milk production. Among the livestock, buffaloes provide many benefits to humans. They are not only used in agricultural activities but also for transporting goods.

In the old days, farmers used to rear buffaloes actively, but today this particular livestock is slowly disappearing from the state. The breeding farm is now in a deplorable state with the structures - lying damaged and in poor state - remaining unrepaired. Apart from this, the farm is besieged with water and power issues, and also a shortage of requisite staff.

An elderly person from the village nearby shared with The People's Chronicle that people were elated when the breeding farm was established, believing that it would be beneficial to the local population. However, the dreams soon collapsed. At one time, dairy production from the farm was stable, but as the number of buffaloes dwindled, so too has milk production.

At present, the farm exists merely for namesake. The elder continued that the location of the farm is quite suitable, with Kharung Pat nearby, making it easier to supply fodder for the buffaloes. If the government were to invest effort, the farm could have developed. However, the government negligence has led to the current situation.

A few years ago, when buffaloes were let out to graze in the surrounding area, many were found dead soon after. Believing that neglect was the cause of these deaths, the elder urged the government and relevant departments to look into the matter and help revive the farm.

Meanwhile, an official of the Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department informed this daily that the breeding farm currently houses eight cows, one buffalo, three heifer, and two calves, all of which are local breed. In the past, high-milk producing cows like "Mura" were brought into the farm from outside. However, they are no longer able to produce milk.

In addition, the farm is facing shortage of staff with only one field technician, two assistants and one LDC.

"This manpower shortage makes it difficult to operate effectively," the official stated, adding that there is a need to appoint one more assistant, along with at least 4-5 additional assistants and to construct staff quarters with proper water and power supply.

While stressing the need for importing more non-local breeds, the official noted that the same would require funds, which has not been allocated in the budget for the department. Nonetheless, discussions are being held amongst the officials concerned to revive the farm to its former glory, the official added.