By Aafaque Hussain
SHILLONG: In three to four years time, people in Meghalaya too can enjoy Emu meat thanks to the initiative of the State Animal Husbandry and Veterinary department which is implementing the first Emu rearing scheme under the special Plan Assistance.
Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) is the largest bird native to Australia and the only extant member of the genus Dromaius.
The scheme, under which twenty units were distributed to different beneficiaries, is being implemented in three districts of the state -Ri Bhoi, East Khasi Hills and West Garo Hills.
Speaking to The Shillong Times Principal Secretary, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary P Naik said the Emu would be available in city markets in the next three-four years.
The Emu is the second-largest extant bird in the world by height, after its ratite relative, the ostrich. There are three emu sub-species in Australia.
At the time of distribution, the weight of the bird was around 10-15 kg and after 18 months it has touched 45 kg. The birds are fed with grass and vegetables.
Altogether 129 Emus are available in the State with as many as twenty beneficiaries even as seven birds have died and few have been sold as well.
Animal Husbandry officer, Kynrdemkulai farm, G Hynniewta said that the Emus
have red meat that is much safer than beef. Interestingly, it is the male birds who lay eggs the number of which ranges between 20 to 30 during the breeding season from October to February.
According to Hynniewta, the birds can hit the market as soon as they attain the weight of 60 kg.
While informing that there are few takers of Emu in India due to its huge feeding capacity which comes to 900 grams daily, he said that the birds are fed with different kinds of vegetables like cabbages, carrots besides grass.
The average lifespan of emu is around 40 years and according to reports oil extracted from Emu fat can be used for treating several ailments, especially joint pain, apart from consumption.