VP visits Nagaland’s mithun research centre, seeks protection of NE bio-resources

PTI, Oct 7, 2021, 6:25 PM IST

Dimapur (Nagaland): Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday called upon scientists to come out with innovative research to protect and conserve the rich bio-resources and livestock of the North-eastern region.

Interacting with the scientists and researchers of ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun and ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill (NEH) Region, he urged them to work towards modernising agriculture with the adoption of the latest technologies for the progress and prosperity of the NE states.

Mithun, a bovine species, is the state animal of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh. The two states together account for 96 per cent of the total 3.8 lakh mithun population in India.

“Our scientific institutions should work for development of location specific technologies which are sustainable, climate resilient and culturally in sync with the tribal cultures of the region,” Naidu said.

During his visit to ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun, the Vice-President also went to the Central Instrumentation Facility Laboratory where diseases and diagnostics relating to the animal were explained to him.

Naidu noted that the research centre has done full genome sequencing of mithun to understand its evolutionary history across distinct geographical locations.

“This magnificent bovine species is considered as one of the most important cultural resources of the North East and is deeply rooted in the mythology and folklore of the cultural life of the tribes in the region,” he said.

Naidu complimented the centre for seeking to diversify the use of mithun as a meat, milk, hide and draught animal.

“I would suggest you make efforts to attract the educated youth towards the conservation of this important animal,” he said.

The Vice-President also commended the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region for several notable achievements, including the development of 56 crop varieties.

He said the institute’s emphasis on promoting integrated farming systems comprising crop, livestock, poultry, fishery, and horticulture is praiseworthy.

“I am pleased to know that 50 per cent of the poultry breeds reared in the state are of Vanaraja and Srinidhi, which are produced from this centre and cater to the needs of farmers in every nook and corner,” he added.

Pointing out that more than 70 per cent of the people are directly dependent on agriculture for their livelihood support in the NE region, he urged the scientific institutions to work for development of location specific technologies which are sustainable, climate-resilient and culturally in sync with the tribal cultures of the region.

Referring to climate change, he said there is a danger of the beautiful but ecologically fragile NE region getting impacted by the rise in global temperature.

“Therefore, I urge our scientists and researchers to focus their attention in advance to find solutions to the farmers’ problems likely to be caused by global warming,” Naidu said.

He said he is happy to know that the ICAR Research Complex is working to evolve sustainable integrated farming systems for improving ”jhum” (shifting cultivation) and restoring degraded lands.

“One good thing that I always appreciate about North Eastern States is their focus on organic agriculture. In this field, you are showing the way to the rest of India.

“I would also urge other Indian states to learn from the organic farming success story of the North Eastern States,” the Vice-President said.