ITANAGAR, Sep 1: The 4th Mithun Day was observed across Arunachal Pradesh on Tuesday with programmes held in several districts to promote conservation, scientific management and sustainable rearing of Mithun (Bos frontalis), bringing together farmers, community representatives, scientists, veterinary professionals and other stakeholders.
Awareness programmes were organised by the Jomlo Mongku Mithun Farmers Federation, Siangmi Mithun Breeders Association and ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun (ICAR-NRCM) at Nginu-Nissa in Longding, Anini in Dibang Valley, Mirem and Yagrung in East Siang, and Jomlo Mongku, Pangin and Kebang in Siang district.
A major programme was also held at Basar in Leparada district by the Arunachal Mithun Farmers’ Federation (AMFF) in collaboration with ICAR-RC for NEH Region, Arunachal Pradesh Centre, Basar; ICAR-NRCM, Nagaland; and the Department of Animal Husbandry, Veterinary and Dairy Development, Govt of Arunachal Pradesh.
Basar MLA Nyabi Jini Dirchi, who attended the programme, highlighted the cultural significance of Mithun and traditional rearing practices. She assured the farming community of her support for promoting Mithun farming as a means of strengthening rural livelihoods.
Aastha Singh, IAS (P), emphasised the cultural, economic and commercial importance of Mithun and stressed the need for scientific farming practices and collective efforts by farmers, scientists, veterinary professionals and government agencies to improve production and productivity.
Dr Doni Jini, Head (Acting), ICAR-AP Centre, Basar, spoke on the history, present status and future prospects of Mithun farming in the state and urged farmers to adopt appropriate technological interventions for better returns.
The District Veterinary Officer (in-charge), Leparada, highlighted disease management in Mithun and various government initiatives for the benefit of farmers.
A technical session on Scientific Semi-Intensive Mithun Farming was conducted by Dr Joken Bam, Senior Scientist, Veterinary Parasitology, Dr Binod Kumar Dutta Borah, Senior Scientist, Animal Reproduction and Gynaecology, and the Veterinary Officer, Leparada. The experts interacted with farmers and provided technical guidance on scientific Mithun management.
As many as 272 Mithun farmers from different rearing areas participated in the Basar programme. Veterinary medicines and feed supplements were also distributed among the participating farmers.
The statewide observance highlighted the cultural, social and economic importance of Mithun, which is deeply rooted in the traditions and livelihoods of indigenous communities and is also recognised as a valuable indigenous genetic resource.
Speakers across the programmes stressed the need to complement traditional knowledge with scientific breeding, improved animal health management, better production systems and appropriate technological interventions to enhance productivity and economic returns.
The celebrations also underscored the importance of coordinated efforts among farming communities, research institutions, veterinary professionals and government agencies to ensure the long-term conservation and sustainable development of Mithun farming in Arunachal Pradesh.