New buffalo breed distributed to farmers
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 18 2014: The State Veterinary & Animal Husbandry Department with funding from the North Eastern Council (NEC) under Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DONER), distributed a new buffalo variety Murrah (Milch Murrah Buffalo) to selected farmers in a function held at the District Veterinary office, Thoubal today.

The Murrah breed buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is a breed of domestic water buffalo mostly reared for dairy production.

The distribution event was graced by Veterinary & Animal Husbandry, Commerce & Industries and Sericulture Minister, Govindas Konthoujam, Parliamentary Secretary, IRR & Minor Irrigation K Meghachandra, Veterinary & Animal Husbandry Director Dr Saidokhum Joute and Joint Director Dr Rajen as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

New buffalo breed distributed to farmers

Delivering the keynote address of today's function, Veterinary & Animal Husbandry Director Dr Saidokhum Joute said the department would, under an NEC funded scheme 'Adoption of Milch Murrah Buffaloes in and around Loktak Lake', hand out a total of 400 buffaloes to selected farmers.

Out of a total of 150 Murrah buffaloes which were meant to be distributed during the first phase of the distribution session that was held in the State Veterinary office today, the department was able to hand out only 40 such animals to the selected farmers, the remaining 110 being on the way.

Although the scheme was meant for Loktak and its surrounding areas, the Department would distribute the animal to farmers residing in catchment areas, the Director added.

The buffalo breed has been purchased from a cooperative farm in Haryana where this particular breed is believed to have originated.

Construction of sheds and distribution of fodder for the animal also comes under the scheme, Joute informed.

The construction works, however, would be taken up by Manipur Tribal Development Corporation.

The Murrah breed buffaloes are tame animals and do not require much maintenance.

The buffaloes thus distributed come with a one year insurance package and are mostly three-four months expecting cows, Joute added.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Govindas Konthoujam said out of an estimated 2.36 litres of milk demand every year, the State contributes merely 81000 litres.

That is, the production is lagging behind by about 50 per cent or more than the consumers demand.

The introduction of the Murrah breed, the Minister added, is mainly aimed at increasing milk productivity and economic growth of the State.

The Minister also advised farmers to consult their nearest veterinary centre in case these buffaloes fall sick and added that the department would contribute every possible help in the rearing of the animal.

The Minister also declared that the department shall provide motorcycles for its staff to carry out artificial insemination of these animals.