Khashim calls for natural approach in rearing 'Haofa'
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, December 01 2023: Veterinary & Animal Husbandry minister Khashim Vashum has called for embracing a natural approach to rearing Haofa, the age-old indigenous canine breed of the Tangkhul community.

"Haofa is our indigenous canine breed which was highly revered by our forefathers and it's a blessing that the legacy is still with us today.

We need to preserve Haofa to restore its historical origin and lineage," the minister stated while speaking during the 2nd Phungc ham Haofa Phanit (Festival) 2023 held at Phungcham village under Chingai subdivision on Friday.

He, nevertheless, noted that there is a need for natural method in rearing of this breed without the use of chemical or artificial feeds and in a natural environment free from chemicals like synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, etc.

"In the olden days, there were no frequent deaths of animals and livestock due to calamity or diseases as we see today," he said and urged the villagers to follow the practice of the forefathers in rearing the canine in the most natural ways.

'In this way, they can preserve the legacy of Haofa and there won't be disaster or calamity causing unnatural deaths of the animals".

The minister, who attended the festival as chief guest, then appealed to village communities to take up the responsibility of natural rearing of Haofa to help boost the population of the canine breed and maintain the purity of this breed, while protecting it from any disaster or calamity-induced unnatural deaths.

With proper care and efforts, the Haofa breed can be protected, conserved and restored to its old glory, continued the minister.

On the economic front, he said that Haofa has gained massive popularity and there is ample investment opportunity for the villagers to take up rearing of Haofa as an occupation and source of income.

"Today, Haofa is in high demand, not only in the district of origin but also beyond.

Due to its popularity, the Haofa canine breed is now seen as a good way to make a living," he noted.

Minister Khashim also informed that even though Haofa is yet to be officially recognised as an indigenous canine breed, the Central Agriculture University has recommended for the same and recommendation at the national level is being awaited".

In her guest of honour speech, Ukhrul DC Zuringla Kengoo lauded the Phungc-ham villagers for taking keen interest in preserving and promoting Haofa which is the legacy of Tangkhul forefathers and heritage of the community.

"Haofa is a much coveted indigenous canine breed.

I am glad to see many Haofa rearers here in Phungeham village," she said.

The festival was organised by Phungeham Haofa Lovers Association (PHLA) in collab oration with Phungeham Village Authority, Phungeham VDC, Phungeham Shanao Long and Phungeham Kat-amnao Mayar Ngala Long.

Delivering the presidential address, PHLA president Tennoson Pheiray said: "Today is a momentous day for us all as this marks the 2nd consecutive successful Phunglam Haofa Festival the rationale for which is to help preserve and promote Haofa not just in Phungeham village but in the entire district" .

"This is possible all due to the support of minister Khashim Vashum," he noted expressing gratitude to the minister for his full support in realizing the festival and for sponsoring it from his personal capacity in spite of Haofa yet to be officially recognised.

Earlier in the morning, the minister unveiled a Haofa sculpture installed at Gandhi Chawk at Phungreitang in the heart of Ukhrul town.

The festival featured an exhibition and sales of Haofa puppies, providing a unique opportunity for prospective pet owners to browse and purchase the puppies.

Prices for the puppies ranged from Rs 4000 to Rs 10,000, depending on size.

The festival also witnessed numerous cultural and entertainment programmes including cultural display by Atung-Azing Tang Pa-rei-Gahar Long, Phungeham and special numbers by Pam's Kindergarten.

There were also musical performances by popular Tangkhul artistes Oshim SW, SP Shonshon, Yarshim Wungsek and Nizing Horam.

The event was also attended by Phungeham headman Wungnaongam Horam as the chief host while Ukhrul DFO Shanngam Shaliwo, DGM, MSPDCL Ukhrul Akui L Shimray and SDO LM Block Rohini Kumar were special guests.

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