ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun organized the Mithun Mela-cum-Technology Injection Program, in collaboration with the Department of Animal Husbandry, Veterinary and Dairy Development, and different line departments of the Government of Arunachal Pradesh. The occasion, held on February 14, 2024 in Loth Village, Lower Subansiri, Arunachal Pradesh, introduced collectively stakeholders together with Mithun farmers, researchers, and authorities officers to change insights, improvements, and experiences.

Mithun (Bos frontalis) is a semi-domesticated and distinctive bovine species, that’s believed to have originated greater than 8000 years in the past. This massive ruminant belongs to the household Bovidae, order Artiodactyla, class Mammalia. The highest focus of mithuns on the earth is unfold over North Eastern (NE) area of India with Arunachal Pradesh having the very best mithun population. It can also be present in components of Southeast Asia viz. Bangladesh, Myanmar and Bhutan.

Government Commitment to Mithun Development

The program was graced by Taba Tedir, Minister of Education, Cultural Affairs and Indigenous Affairs, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, who served because the Chief Guest. Minister Tedir underscored the function of such initiatives in advancing Mithun practices within the area and reiterated the federal government’s steadfast assist for enhancing Mithun farming practices. He emphasised the significance of expertise infusion and information dissemination for the holistic improvement of Mithun farming in Arunachal Pradesh.

Shri S Gurung, ADC, Yachuli, honored the occasion because the Guest of Honor and emphasised the significance of scaling up operations to reinforce earnings alternatives for farmers. Gurung highlighted the potential of large-scale Mithun farming to contribute considerably to the financial prosperity of the area, encouraging attendees to grab the alternatives out there.

Commercialization and Market Potential

Dr Girish Patil, S., Director of ICAR-NRC on Mithun, make clear the commercialization prospects of Mithun farming, noting its FSSAI approval and premium market potential. He launched attendees to the M-Anitra buying and selling app for environment friendly on-line Mithun buying and selling and pressured the significance of natural certification. Dr Patil urged farmers to discover value-added meat and milk merchandise to spice up income streams.

Bridging the Gap: Farmers-Scientists-Veterinary Interface

Following the principle occasion, a Farmers-Scientists-Veterinary officer’s interface assembly was convened to foster collaborative discussions and information change amongst Mithun stakeholders. This interactive session performed a vital function in bridging the hole between analysis findings and sensible functions, additional enhancing the Mithun farming ecosystem.

The program witnessed energetic participation, with round 467 Mithun farmers in attendance. Notably, 56 Mithuns had been ear-tagged and vaccinated in opposition to Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in the course of the occasion, reflecting the dedication of each farmers and authorities in direction of making certain the well being and well-being of the livestock.