ICAR Manipur Centre marks 98th Foundation Day, hosts Mithun awareness campaign
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 16 2026: The ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region, Manipur Centre, Lamphelpat, celebrated its 98th Foundation Day on Thursday, commemorating 98 years from 1929 to 2026 of excellence in agricultural research, innovation and service to the nation.

The programme was graced by Dr Soibam Basanta Singh, Head of Regional Centre, along with Dr N Umakanta Singh, Senior Scientist (Biotechnology), and Dr Chongtham Sonia, Senior Scientist (Animal Sciences) .

Scientists, technical, administrative and contractual staff of the Centre, along with representatives from its five Krishi Vigyan Kendras, participated in the celebration.

Held under the theme "Science for Sustainable Agriculture and Better Tomorrow", the occasion highlighted ICAR's contributions toward enhancing agricultural productivity, ensuring food and nutritional security, and promoting sustainable farming practices in the country, particularly in the North Eastern Region.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Soibam Basanta Singh stressed the need for scientific innovations and resilient agricultural systems to meet emerging challenges such as climate change and resource degradation.

He reiterated the Centre's commitment to strengthening research, extension and capacity-building initiatives for the welfare of farming communities.

Tributes were paid to visionaries, scientists, farmers and stakeholders who shaped ICAR's journey.

The Centre reaffirmed its guiding principles of "Innovate, Integrate and Inspire" and resolved to continue efforts toward sustainable agricultural development.

As part of the Foundation Day observance, the Centre also hosted a one-day "Awareness Campaign on Breeding and Conservation of Mithun" at the Conference Hall of Loktak Farmers' Hostel under the NERCORMS Project.

The programme was jointly organised by ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun, Nagaland and ICAR Manipur Centre.

Dr S Basanta Singh chaired the campaign, which was coordinated by Dr Sapunii S Hanah, Senior Scientist, ICAR-NRC on Mithun; Dr Chongtham Sonia; and Dr Yallappa N Somgond and Dr Narendra VN, Scientists, ICAR-NRC on Mithun.

Speaking at the event, Dr Basanta Singh highlighted Mithun's cultural and economic significance for tribal communities of Northeast India, calling it a symbol of wealth, prestige and peace.

He urged farmers to adopt scientific management practices for sustainable conservation and improvement.

In the technical session, Dr Sapunii S Hanah spoke on breeding and conservation strategies, climate adaptation, health care, feed and nutritional management, scientific milk processing, and artificial insemination for genetic improvement.

Medicines, nutritional supplements, plastic chairs, tables and paints were distributed to Mithun farmers to support better livestock management.

Farmers from Kabui Khullen, Louphong and Machi villages participated.

A total of 50 farmers, including 11 women and 39 men, attended and interacted with scientists on Mithun care, feeding, housing, health, breeding and reproductive management.

Farmers also expressed gratitude to Dr Girish Patil, Director, ICAR-NRC on Mithun, for his leadership in promoting Mithun conservation.

Comment