Haofa breeding could enhance rural economy: Khasim Vashum
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Mamang

Ukhrul, December 08 2022: Veterinary & Animal Husbandry minister Khashim Vashum said that Haofa breeding can become a new pillar industry in rural areas of Ukhrul district as it has immense potentials to enhance rural economy.

He said that Haofa is a rare breed of canine that is native to Ukhrul district since the olden days.

However, today the number of Haofa has sharply declined due to lack of conservation efforts over the years.

"It's at this juncture that breeding this indigenous canine has immense potentials to significantly boost the economy of the people.

This is because Haofas are in great demand these days," the minister stated, while speaking as chief guest during the first Haofa Phanit (festival) held at Phungcham village in northern Ukhrul on Thursday.

The festival was organised by Phungcham Haofa Lovers Association (PHLA) in collaboration with Phungcham Village Authority, VDC, Shanao Long and Mayar Ngala Long of the village.

The minister was accompanied by Dr Ng Ibotombi Singh, director, Veterinary & Animal Husbandry, and Dr Th Ranadhir Singh as guests of honour, while Dr Basanta Singh, director of Research Central Agriculture University; and Col Manoj Shinde, CO 35 AR, Somsai were present as functional president and special guest respectively.

Minister Khashim went on to say that by preserving Haofa, the people are not only protecting a rare and endangered species, but they are also preserving an important part of Tangkhul's cultural heritage.

"Haofa is a symbol of the rich culture and history of the Tangkhuls, and we must do all we can to ensure its survival," he said, while lauding the Phungcham Haofa Lovers' Association for the initiative.

He urged all dog lovers from Phungcham and neighbouring villages to make collective efforts to promote the endangered canine, adding that "Breeding activities could significantly generate income and create employment opportunities for yourselves and ultimately your occupation".

Expressing elation over the overwhelming turnout at the festival, he acknowledged the spirit of unity and coordination exhibited by people from the neighbouring villages and exhorted the villagers to join hands in promoting the Haofa in one accord.

The minister further stated that he would try his best to lend support for continuance of the festival as an annual celebration from this year on, while also assuring of government's support to farmers engaged in dog breeding.

Even then, without mincing words, he reminded the gathering of the importance of perseverance in achieving success, rather than merely depending on dole-outs from the government.

Speaking on the occasion, PHLA president Tennoson Pheirey expressed gratitude to minister Khashim Vashum for sponsoring the festival.

He said that the Phungcham Haofa Lovers' Association was formed on October 10, 2021 with an objective to protect, preserve and promote Haofa, which is the indigenous canine breed of the Tangkhul community.

"Since time immemorial, Haofa has been the loyal companion of our forefathers.

In the earlier days Haofa was fondly reared by Tangkhul community because of its gentleness, obedience and hunting skills, apart from its characteristics of bravery, freedom and identity," he said.

"Lately, their numbers have rapidly declined.

But some individuals and group of people from Phungcham started breeding Haofa to revive their dwindling numbers.

And today, we have around 150 Haofas in Phungcham village alone and we can expect more in the years to come, " he added.

The hunting skill of a male Haofa owned by legendary Shimreishang Zimik and the brave and ferocious male Haofa of Longyao Vashum is fondly remembered in Phungcham and is heard far and wide across Tangkhul community.

"We are so glad to our forefathers for this beautiful legacy they have left behind.

Now, it is our duty to protect, preserve and promote Haofa.

This festival is being organised today to serve as a reminder to everyone to promote and preserve Haofa because Haofa is our identity," the minister said.

As part of the festival, the villagers showcased various cultural displays including Haola (folk songs), Sakhareng (hunting), Wotrei Kaphung (load carriage), Tangrei Khangahei (conveyance on palanquin) and others.

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