ITANAGAR, Jul 31: ICAR–National Research Centre on Mithun (ICAR-NRCM), Medziphema, Nagaland in collaboration with the Jomlo Mongku Mithun Farmers Federation (JMMFF), Siang district and the Department of Animal Husbandry, Veterinary & Dairy Development, GoAP organized an awareness programme on Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in Siangmi Breed Mithun and promotion of semi-intensive Mithun farming at Kerang village in Siang district today.
The programme aimed to create awareness among farmers regarding the prevention and control of FMD, strengthen biosecurity measures, and promote scientific semi-intensive Mithun farming practices for improved productivity, profitability, and sustainable livelihoods.
The inaugural session was graced virtually by Dr Girish Patil S, Director ICAR-NRC on Mithun, who highlighted the importance of disease prevention, scientific management, and collaborative efforts for conservation and sustainable development of Mithun farming in the Northeastern region.
Dr Rahul Arya, Sr Scientist, ICAR-National Institute on Foot-and-Mouth Disease (ICAR-NIFMD), joined the programme online as a keynote expert and delivered an informative lecture on the epidemiology of FMD, vaccination strategies, biosecurity measures, and the importance of timely disease reporting to safeguard mithun populations.
Dr Yaka Angu, District Veterinary Officer Siang, emphasized the role of coordinated vaccination campaigns and field-level veterinary services in preventing the spread of FMD and ensuring better animal health.
Representing the farming community, Tatok Panor, president Siang Mithun Farmers, reiterated the organization’s commitment to promoting scientific Mithun husbandry practices among farmers.
Matpi Tabing, secretary SMF, encouraged farmers to actively adopt improved management practices, strengthen community participation in disease surveillance and control, and work collectively towards the conservation and sustainable development of the indigenous Siangmi breed of Mithun.
JMMFF Chairman Tadang Tamut delivered a technical address on ‘Scientific Mithun Production for Enhancing Productivity and Profitability’. He emphasized the adoption of semi-intensive farming systems, scientific breeding, balanced nutrition, health management, and regular vaccination as key interventions to improve Mithun productivity, increase farmers’ income, and ensure sustainable conservation and development of the indigenous Siangmi breed.