ICAR–NRC on Mithun Conducts Three-Day Field Outreach Programme in Manipur

10–12 August 2026, Manipur

ICAR–National Research Centre on Mithun, Medziphema, in collaboration with the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Manipur Centre, Lamphelpat, and the Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Services, Government of Manipur, conducted a three-day field outreach programme on scientific breeding, health management, husbandry and conservation of Mithun in Kamjong and Tengnoupal districts.

The programme was organised under the ongoing NERCORMS initiative of the North Eastern Council (NEC)-funded project, “Establishing Mithun Breeding and Conservation Centre in Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh,” with a focus on strengthening community participation in Mithun improvement and conservation.

The programme began on 10 August with a Breeding-cum-Health Camp at Louphong Village, Kamjong, attended by 55 Mithun farmers. Fourteen Mithun were vaccinated and ear-tagged, while body morphometric measurements were recorded for identification and systematic documentation. Farmers were sensitised on scientific breeding, preventive healthcare, timely vaccination and herd record maintenance. A practical demonstration on estimating Mithun body weight using the measuring tape developed by ICAR–NRCM was also conducted.

On 11 August, a Farmers’ Training on Scientific Breeding and Husbandry Practices was held at Machi Village, Tengnoupal, with 58 participants, including farmers, NGO representatives and State Veterinary Department officials. The training covered planned breeding, selection of superior breeding animals, prevention of indiscriminate mating, scientific feeding, disease prevention, reproductive management, animal identification and health monitoring. The importance of community participation in sustainable Mithun breeding and conservation was also emphasised.

The programme concluded on 12 August with an FMD Vaccination and Health Camp at Machi Village, attended by 54 farmers. More than 25 Mithun were vaccinated against Foot-and-Mouth Disease, besides ear-tagging and body measurements. Veterinary treatment was also provided for animals affected by tick infestation and skin infections. Farmers were sensitised on regular vaccination, disease prevention, biosecurity and preventive healthcare.

Across the three-day programme, 167 farmer/participant attendances were recorded. The integrated interventions in breeding, vaccination, animal identification, veterinary care and improved husbandry practices are expected to contribute to enhanced Mithun productivity, conservation of valuable genetic resources and sustainable livelihoods of tribal Mithun-rearing communities in Manipur.

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