BASAR, Nov 12: Farmers of Logum Jini village in West Siang district have been encouraged to adopt scientific and semi-intensive mithun rearing practices to improve livestock productivity, prevent diseases and strengthen rural livelihoods.
The message was highlighted during an awareness programme organised at the village on Thursday by the ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun (NRCM), in collaboration with the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Arunachal Pradesh Centre, Basar, and the Arunachal Pradesh Mithun Farmers Federation (APMFF). Around 150 farmers attended the programme.
Experts from NRCM and ICAR provided technical guidance on animal health, disease prevention, vaccination and improved management practices. Dr Kezhavito Vupuo, Chief Technical Officer of NRCM, spoke about common diseases affecting mithun, particularly Foot-and-Mouth Disease, while Dr Gerik Bagra of the ICAR Arunachal Pradesh Centre highlighted the importance of timely vaccination and preventive healthcare.
Dr Kobu Khate, Senior Scientist at NRCM, urged farmers to consider semi-intensive rearing as an alternative to the traditional free-range system. He explained that locating animals under free-range management could sometimes take more than two weeks, potentially delaying veterinary attention and treatment.
Dr Doni Jini stressed that farmers should make effective use of the resources provided by NRCM and adopt improved practices to ensure better mithun management.
APMFF president Limi Ete underlined the importance of mithun in the cultural and economic life of the Galo community, besides its nutritional value as a traditional source of protein. He appreciated NRCM for extending scientific and technical assistance to mithun farmers in the region.
Chief guest Mabi Taipodia Jini called upon farmers to put the technical guidance into practice and adopt better management methods to improve their livelihoods and income.
The programme also included the distribution of farming materials to facilitate improved animal housing and management. Around 50 rolls of barbed wire and 10 bundles of corrugated galvanised iron sheets were handed over to the Lura Committee of Logum Jini village for developing suitable enclosures and shelters.
The villagers expressed appreciation to NRCM, ICAR Basar and APMFF for the initiative and sought continued technical support for strengthening mithun farming in the area.