Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 13 2022: College of Agriculture, Imphal Department of Animal Sciences and Central Agricultural University Directorate of Research organised a one-day training programme on 'Scientific Mithun Husbandry Practices' at Louphong village in Kamjong district on Friday.

In a release, Apunba Imagi Ma-chasing (AIMS), Imphal director Dr Atom Sunil Singh informed that the programme was attended by Loupong Village Authority senior member M Shangreihao and Department of Animal Sciences principal investigator and head Dr Th Ranadhir Singh as chief guest and president respectively, while Ukhrul and Kamjong district veterinary officer Dr P Ajesh Singh, Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry former joint director Dr K Rashbihari Singh and AIMS secretary Mingthihg Mung were present as guests of honour.

Speaking during the programme, Dr Ranadhir explained that the programme was organised under NEC, Union Ministry of DoNER funded project entitled 'Mithun Conservation in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Manipur' .

He pointed out that in Manipur, Mithun population has dropped to 9,059 in 2019 from 10,131 in 2012 signalling eminent threat to the existence of this precious magnificent breed.

He said that lack of special thrust and investment on Mithun farming as a source of income as compared to other domesticated livestock as well as lack of awareness on the part of farmers on scientific Mithun rearing has been the reason behind the decline in population.

Dr Ranadhir conveyed that a Mithun rearing centre is being established at Louphong in Kamjong district under the project so as to conserve the dwindling species.

The release informed that in the technical session, Dr P Ajesh Singh spoke on 'Shelter and Feeding Requirements of Mithun in their Natural Habitat', Dr K Rashbihari Singh on 'Prevention and Control of Mithun Diseases' and Dr Th Ranadhir Singh on 'Scope of Mithun Farming in Manipur and 'Selection and Breeding of Mithun for Sustainable Mithun Production' .

Around 60 people participated in the training programme, it added.

The release further mentioned that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between CAU, Imphal and Apunba Imagi Machasing (AIMS) on Mithun Conservation and Breeding and Agricultural Activities in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Manipur was signed by then CAU vice chancellor Prof M Premjit Singh with AIMS director Dr Atom Sunil Singh and secretary Mingthing Mung on July 16, 2020 .