ITANAGAR, Oct 14: An awareness programme on the conservation of the Siangmi Mithun breed and preparedness against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) was held at Gobuk village in Upper Siang district on Tuesday. The programme aimed to sensitise Mithun farmers to indigenous breed conservation, scientific farming practices, disease prevention and sustainable Mithun husbandry.
The programme was jointly organised by the Jomlo Mongku Mithun Farmers Federation (JMMFF), the Siangmi Mithun Breeders Association (SMBA), the ICAR–National Research Centre on Mithun, Medziphema, Nagaland, and the Department of Animal Husbandry, Veterinary and Dairy Development, Govt of Arunachal Pradesh.
Addressing the gathering, JMMFF Chairman Tadang Tamut emphasised the need to adopt semi-intensive Mithun farming practices to improve productivity, protect the indigenous Siangmi breed and ensure better herd management.
He highlighted the importance of scientific livestock management, regular health monitoring, vaccination and timely preventive measures to minimise the risk of FMD outbreaks. He also encouraged farmers to gradually transition to organised farming systems while preserving their traditional knowledge and indigenous practices.
District Veterinary Officer Dr Teru Borang spoke about animal health management, disease prevention and government initiatives aimed at supporting livestock farmers. He underscored the importance of veterinary services, disease surveillance, vaccination and coordination between farmers and the department to strengthen preparedness against FMD and safeguard the Mithun population.
Honorary Wildlife Warden Talut Siram highlighted the growing concern over attacks by wild dogs and their impact on Mithun herds. He stressed the need for appropriate protective measures and community-level efforts to safeguard livestock, while raising awareness about the challenges faced by farmers rearing Mithun in forest and fringe areas.
President of the Siang District Mithun Farmers Association Tatok Panor urged farmers to preserve and promote indigenous Mithun-rearing techniques passed down through generations. He stressed that traditional knowledge, combined with improved management practices, is essential for conserving the unique characteristics of the Siangmi breed and ensuring its long-term survival.
Secretary of the Siang Mithun Farmers Association Matpi Tabing highlighted the importance of indigenous feed resources and fodder plants in Mithun husbandry. He encouraged farmers to identify, conserve and utilise locally available feed and fodder species to improve nutrition, reduce dependence on external feed resources and support the adoption of semi-intensive farming systems.
The programme also highlighted the importance of breed registration, the conservation of indigenous genetic resources, biosecurity measures and collective action among Mithun breeders. Participants were encouraged to remain vigilant for signs of FMD, promptly report suspected cases to veterinary authorities and follow recommended vaccination and disease-prevention protocols.
The organisers emphasised that conserving the Siangmi Mithun breed requires coordinated efforts by farmers, veterinary officials, scientific institutions and community organisations.