Itanagar, Jul 16: The ICAR–National Research Centre on Mithun (NRCM), Medziphema, in collaboration with the Tego Gamlin Mithun Farmers' Cooperative Society, Jomlo Mongku Mithun Farmer Federation (JMMFF) and the Department of Animal Husbandry, Veterinary and Dairy Development (AHV&DD), celebrated the 98th Foundation Day of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) by organising a grand Mithun Mela at Tego Gamlin village in West Siang district on Thursday.
The event brought together Mithun farmers, scientists, veterinary officers, public representatives and other stakeholders to discuss sustainable Mithun production, scientific breeding, animal health management, prevention of inbreeding, artificial insemination, government support schemes and livelihood opportunities for tribal farming communities.
Scientists from ICAR–NRC on Mithun and the ICAR–NEH Regional Centre, Basar, conducted technical sessions and interacted with farmers, offering practical scientific solutions to improve Mithun production and conservation.
JMMFF chairman Tadang Tamut stressed the importance of adopting semi-intensive Mithun farming to ensure better utilisation of land and forest resources while enhancing productivity, income generation and sustainable livelihoods.
Delivering a technical lecture on "Opportunities for Sustainable Mithun Production," ICAR–NRC on Mithun scientist Dr Harshit Kumar highlighted scientific breeding, improved husbandry practices, value addition and the use of modern technologies to enhance farmers' income while conserving the unique Mithun genetic resources of Northeast India.
The celebration also featured traditional cultural performances, farmer-scientist interactions and open discussions, showcasing the rich cultural heritage associated with Mithun and strengthening collaboration between researchers and farming communities.
On the occasion, the foundation stone for a Semi-Intensive Mithun Farm was laid, and a solar rechargeable GPS ear-tag-based Mithun tracking device was launched to facilitate technology-enabled management, real-time monitoring and traceability of Mithun.