ITANAGAR, Sep 22: An awareness programme on ‘FMD Prevention and Control and Siangmi Mithun Breed Conservation’ was successfully conducted at Jorsing village in Siang district today, aimed at promoting scientific Mithun health management and strengthening efforts towards the conservation of the indigenous Siangmi Mithun breed.
Jointly organised by the ICAR–National Research Centre on Mithun (ICAR–NRC Mithun), the Jomlo Mongku Mithun Farmer’s Federation (JMMFF) and the Office of the District Veterinary Officer (DVO), Siang, the programme focused on sensitizing Mithun farmers on Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) prevention and control, timely vaccination, biosecurity measures, disease surveillance and scientific Mithun husbandry practices.
Special emphasis was laid on the conservation, propagation and sustainable management of the Siangmi Mithun, an important indigenous genetic resource of the region.
Addressing the gathering via video conferencing, Dr Girish Patil S, Director ICAR–NRC on Mithun, stressed the importance of collective efforts by farmers, veterinary authorities, scientific institutions and community organizations in safeguarding Mithun health and conserving valuable indigenous genetic resources.
He also emphasised disease prevention, scientific husbandry and responsible management of Mithun for sustainable production and the benefit of future generations.
JMMFF chairman Tadang Tamut highlighted the crucial role of Mithun farmers and community-based organizations in breed conservation and disease prevention. He called for greater community participation, adoption of scientific farming practices and collective action to ensure the long-term sustainability of Mithun-based livelihoods.
The programme encouraged farmers to adopt regular vaccination, improved biosecurity, scientific husbandry and timely veterinary care, while reinforcing community-led efforts for the conservation of the Siangmi Mithun breed.
The programme concluded with a collective commitment from the participating farmers and stakeholders to work towards a healthy, disease-free and sustainably managed Mithun population, while preserving the unique Siangmi Mithun genetic heritage for future generations.