State-level Core Committee formed for sustainable Mithun production in Assam

GUWAHATI, OCTOBER 8 (MExN): A state-level core committee has been formed to promote sustainable Mithun production in Assam, with a particular focus on Dima Hasao district. The committee's formation was announced at a meeting held at the Secretariat in Dispur, Guwahati, which brought together key stakeholders, including government officials and experts from the ICAR – NRC on Mithun, Nagaland.

The meeting was chaired by Assam's Agriculture Minister, Atul Bora, and opened with remarks from Anil Ch Deuri, ACS, Director of Animal Husbandry. Dr Kankan Kalita then presented the meeting agenda, highlighting the need for collaboration to advance Mithun production in the region.

Dr B.K Kakati, Additional Director of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary for the Hills Division in Dima Hasao, discussed recent discoveries of Mithun populations in the district. He credited the ICAR – NRC on Mithun, Nagaland, for providing technical support and emphasized the potential of Mithun husbandry to boost eco-tourism and support local livelihoods.

Monjit Naiding, Executive Member of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary in Dima Hasao, spoke on the historical significance of Mithun in the area and lauded the collaborative efforts to rediscover and develop the Mithun population. He shared the Dima Hasao Autonomous Council’s initiatives to advance the sector, recognizing Mithun's potential to enhance eco-tourism.

During the discussions, Agriculture Minister Atul Bora expressed his appreciation for the combined efforts of the Animal Husbandry Department and ICAR – NRC on Mithun. He reiterated the state’s commitment to support the Mithun sector, particularly in Dima Hasao, and highlighted the need for a sustainable development approach.

Dr K.K Baruah, Governing Body Member of ICAR, elaborated on the center's collaborative projects with the agriculture and animal husbandry sectors across Northeast India. He acknowledged the leadership of Dr Girish Patil, Director of ICAR – NRC on Mithun, in these initiatives, emphasizing the need for technical and material support through the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) for the state’s Mithun sector.

Dr Girish Patil outlined a roadmap for Mithun sector development in Assam, focusing on Dima Hasao. His presentation covered future projects and highlighted the importance of including Mithun in the upcoming Assam Livestock Census. He proposed forming a Joint Working Group with clear roles to accelerate the sector’s growth and committed to providing ongoing support.

In the meeting’s concluding session, Manish Thakur, Principal Secretary of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary, summarized the discussions. He outlined priorities for the Mithun sector, including vaccination programs, eco-tourism initiatives, milk production, and promoting the medicinal value of Mithun meat. He also suggested exploring online trading opportunities for Mithun products.

Minister Bora closed the meeting with remarks on the importance of a comprehensive action plan and a thorough study on Mithun in Dima Hasao. He called for the formation of a dedicated core committee to support Mithun sector development in the district, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices and strategic planning.