The North-East of India is a region of splendid natural, Cultural multitude and rich flora & fauna. The region falls under high rainfall zone and climate ranges from sub-tropical to Alpine. The North-East constitutes about 7.8% of total land space of the country.
Livestock rearing is a significant part of economic activities and is closely related to Socio-economic-religious customs of the North-East people. Livestock rearing in tribal culture is not more as a source of milk or meat but as a traditional ritual where animals are featured in major ceremonies, festivals, rituals, dances and pantomimes. Culturally and socially, tribes are so closely related to animal species that it is impossible to define the identity of tribes without mentioning the role of livestock rearing.
The NE region is industrially underdeveloped, and 40% of the people reside Below Poverty Line (BPL) and are mostly non-vegetarian with limited irrigation facilities. Thus during the lean months Animal Husbandry forms an alternative source of income.
Discussed below are the profiles and potentialities of some livestock animals reared in the NE- region.
Cattle:
In NE India cattle population per hundred human head is higher than the National level. Cattle are mostly of Zebu type. While different exotic breeds like Jersey, Holstein-Friesian and cross breeds are reared for milk purpose. Milk production of NE region is 1123 thousand tones and constitutes 1.275% of milk of the total National milk' production. Estimated beef production in NE region is 0.99 million tones.
So with the help of scientific breeding, awareness among farmers to take up cattle husbandry will give a huge boost in the production to a superior level.
Goat:
Goat is unique among the livestock as it has the ability to strive and produce under unfavorable climatic and management conditions. The initial investment for goat rearing is lesser than dairy, piggery and poultry farming. Goat consumes 1/5th less feed than cattle and buffalo and does not compete with humans for grain as does pigs and fowls. The breeds that are reared in the region are Assam local, Assam Hill goat and Sikkim local in Sikkim. Assam local which is one of the famous breed is reared for meat purpose and is famous for its fertility, fecundity and prolificacy.
Upgrading programs for the local breeds are being done at Goat research station, Byrihat l. (Assam Agriculture University) with Beetal breeds. Various other up gradation programs are being carried out in different state Animal Husbandry and Veterinary departments.
Pig:
The NE region contributes 19% of the total pig population. The pig population in India is around 12.50 Million. The highest population density is in Goa, followed by Nagaland and Manipur.
Pig plays a significant role in the tribal culture and tradition as tribal ceremonies are considered incomplete without pork. Today the farmers are aware of clean pork production keeping all the sanitary measures especially in Mizoram, Meghalaya and Nagaland.
The farmers are ready to take up piggery due to high Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), pigs thrives on human garbage as well, the gestation period is of short duration ( 114:f:5 days). There is a huge market for pork and suitable climate prevails. Indigenous pigs i.e. Meghalaya local, Nagaland local and exotics like Saddle back, Berkshire, Hampshire and their cross breeds are available in Meghalaya, Nagaland and Manipur as tribes here prefer pigs having black body coat.
Since production is not sufficient to meet the need, ICAR complex of NEH region are working for the improvement of Meghalaya local upgrading them with Hampshire and other exotic germplasm. At AAU Khanapara, the AlCRP (All India Coordinated Research Project) on pig are working on upgrading of local breeds using exotic breeds like Large Yorkshire and Landrace.
Rabbit:
Rabbit is an alternative source of meat production that is newly introduced and gaining popularity. The meat is palatable with considerable juiciness and tenderness. It is rich in proteins and low in Fat and Cholesterol. In addition to this important byproducts like fur and skin is obtained which after processing can be used to produce different value added Products
The Soviet Chinchilla and New Zealand White are found suitable for broiler Rabbit production whereas German Angora and Soviet Angora are found best for wool production in high altitude areas. Nagaland has the second highest rabbit population in the country next to Kerala.
Poultry:
Poultry production is most suitable climatically. NE region contributes 4% of total egg production of the country and 1.5% of total broiler production. The huge market demand for eggs is reflected as around 20 Lakhs of eggs are daily supplied to Assam.
The NE region has about 4.3 Million of Ducks contributing around 18% pf total Duck in India. Atleast-5% of the improved ducks of the country exists in the NE region.
Mithun:
Mithun is a semi domesticated animal found in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram. It is reared for meat purpose and religious reasons. Its most peculiar characteristic is its ability to graze on slopes of hills.
Today conservation of animal genetic resources is an emerging concept in India for which major steps are being taken by respective state Animal Husbandry departments and NRC on Mithun, Jharnapani Medziphema, Nagaland.
Constraints in livestock production of NE region:
1. Lack of superior germplasm. .
2. Lack of local availability of good quality feed ingredients which lead to increase in feed cost as it procured from other state.
3. Non availability of diagnostic kits to diagnose disease immediately which causes morbidity and mortality.
4. Sufficient vaccines against different infectious disease are not available.
5. Lack of suitable agencies to disseminate latest technological findings among the farmers.
Suggestive re-commendations:
1. Impart training to farmers with modern Animal Husbandry techniques through Government agencies.
2. Financial assistance with minimal interest to enthusiastic upcoming entrepreneurs.
3. Distribution of developed breeds to farmers.
4. Feed ingredients should be made available to the farmers at subsidized rates.
5. Government should come up with more research stations and Agricultural Universities to improve Animal Husbandry sector.
Khriengunuo Mepfhü-o
B.V. Sc & AH C.V.Sc, AAU, Khanapara,
Guwahati
