Semi-intensive Mithun Farming as Alternative Source of Livelihood

ICAR- National Research Center on Mithun (NRCM) has taken lead in the promotion of Mithun farming through the propagation of semi-intensive Mithun rearing, scientific identification and evaluation of the Mithun. Being one of the few Mithun rearing states in the country, the State Animal Husbandry & Veterinary department of Mizoram Government has implemented numbers of programmes & schemes to benefit the farmers of the rural population. 

In order to strengthen the ongoing activities in the Mizoram state, an agreement is made for transfer and propagation of technologies and for socio-economic benefits of the Mithun farmers in the state.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department, Mizoram & ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun (NRCM), Nagaland.  The MoU was signed by Mr. Lalthangpuia Sailo, Commissioner & Secretary, AH & Veterinary Department, Government of Mizoram and Dr. Abhijit Mitra, Director, ICAR-NRCM, Nagaland.    

The MoU includes providing technology backstopping, guidance including Construction of sheds, etc.  for semi-intensive rearing of Mithun in two districts of Mizoram and supply of 500 semen doses free of cost to the state for improvement. 

ICAR-NRCM is mandated for application-oriented research for identification, evaluation, and characterization of Mithun (Bos frontalis) germplasm available in the country; conservation and improvement of mithun for meat and milk, and to act as repository of information on mithun. 

The agreement also has the provision of training of State Govt. of Mizoram personnel including Veterinary officers, managers, and farmers in Mithun rearing activities i.e. semen collection and freezing, Artificial Insemination, value addition of milk, hide, meat and animal waste management at ICAR-NRCM, Nagaland and setting up of Feed Block Making Unit. 

Under the MoU, the ICAR-NRCM has also agreed to assist in the formulation of the project report, exploration of funding possibilities and to provide technical assistance for the establishment of Artificial Insemination Unit with a semen processing laboratory.