SHILLONG: The first ever awareness programme-cum-farmer-scientist interaction on ‘Scientific Mithun Rearing’ was jointly organised by ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun, Medziphema, Nagaland and KVK-East Khasi Hill District, Meghalaya with an aim to explore the possibilities of introducing Mithun (Bos frontalis) in Meghalaya. The programme was held in Mawphlang Village, Upper Shillong, East Khasi Hill District on November 21-22.
The programme was formally inaugurated by the chief guest Kennedy C. Khyriem, MLA Mawphlang constituency and Parliamentary Secretary, Department of Tourism Government of Meghalaya, in the presence of Lamphrang Blah, MDC, Mawphlang constituency, Dorothy Syiemiong, Director of Agriculture, Government of Meghalaya and Abhjit Mitra, Director, ICAR-NRC on Mithun, Nagaland, K K Kharmihpen, and farmers and other stakeholders. Altogether, 150 farmers with 50 officials from various institutions attended the programme.
Different ICAR institutes put up their respective stalls to display different kinds of technology as well as to screen a movie for the farmers. Speaking on the occasion, Khyriem expressed his appreciation to the organisers and hoped such events would bring awareness in local communities regarding the adoption of Mithun husbandry as an alternative source of livelihood that will reduce the import of meat.
Scientific mithun-rearing would not only improve the livelihood of the farmers but also help in the rejuvenation of forest cover, asserted the chief guest.
