ICAR–NRC on Mithun Celebrates 38th Foundation Day

15 October 2025, Medziphema, Nagaland

ICAR–National Research Centre on Mithun, Medziphema, celebrated its 38th Foundation Day with great enthusiasm and participation from scientists, farmers, and dignitaries across the North Eastern region.

The celebration was graced by Dr. K. M. Bujarbaruah, Former Deputy Director General (Animal Sci-ence), ICAR; Former Vice-Chancellor, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat; and Former Director, ICAR–NRC on Mithun, as the Chief Guest.

Delivering the Foundation Day Lecture, Dr. Bujarbaruah underscored the significance of livestock, particularly Mithun, in realizing the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 through Viksit Pashudhan. He called for leveraging frontier technologies such as biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and ge-nomic interventions to create a robust and self-reliant livestock sector that empowers tribal and hill communities.

The event also witnessed the presence of Dr. Ashis Kumar Samanta, Assistant Director General (Ani-mal Nutrition and Physiology), ICAR, New Delhi; Dr. Kishore Kumar Baruah, GB Member, ICAR, New Delhi; Mr. Manjit Niding, Executive Member (Veterinary Department), North Cachar Hills Au-tonomous Council, Haflong, Dima Hasao, Assam; and Mr. Thenucho Tunyi, Former Home Minister of Nagaland, as Guests of Honor.

In his welcome address, Dr. Girish Patil, S., Director, ICAR–NRC on Mithun, highlighted the insti-tute’s journey since its inception and its contributions to Mithun research, breed improvement, and livelihood development in the region. He emphasized the institute’s continued efforts to integrate sci-ence, innovation, and field-based interventions to enhance the productivity and sustainability of Mith-un farming systems.

As part of the occasion, several new publications of the institute were released, documenting recent research achievements and outreach initiatives. The event also featured award presentations to recog-nize outstanding contributions by scientists, staff members, and progressive Mithun farmers for their role in promoting Mithun husbandry and rural development.

The programme concluded with a Farmer–Scientist Interaction Session, enabling direct dialogue be-tween researchers and Mithun farmers from different states to address field challenges and explore opportunities for collaboration.

The event reaffirmed ICAR–NRCM’s unwavering commitment to scientific innovation, sustainable livestock development, and the socio-economic upliftment of tribal communities in North East India.

(Source: ICAR–National Research Centre on Mithun, Medziphema)