Chief Minister Lalduhoma today inaugurated the 3rd Mithun Day and National Seminar on Integrated Mithun Farming at Thenzawl Auditorium, emphasizing the importance of Mithun farming for strengthening Mizoram’s rural economy and livestock sector.

In his address, Chief Minister Lalduhoma expressed his delight at Mizoram being chosen as host for the national-level programme, stating that Mithun has been an integral part of the socio-economic fabric of the North East. He highlighted that Mizoram currently spends nearly ₹630 crores annually on meat consumption, of which around ₹40 crores worth is imported from outside the state, underlining the urgent need for self-sufficiency in meat production.

The Chief Minister noted that under the Mizoram Handholding Scheme, over 16,000 Progress Partners have already taken up livestock farming, reflecting people’s trust in the sector as a sustainable livelihood. He, however, stressed that challenges such as limited technology adoption, fodder scarcity, and lack of scientific breeding centres need to be addressed with the support of ICAR, NEC, and other research institutions.

He appreciated the initiatives of the Northeastern Council’s Mithun Multiplication Centre at Lungkawlh and the Rashtriya Gokul Mission’s Mithun Breed Development & Conservation Centre at Thenzawl. He said that 41 villages in Mizoram rely heavily on Mithun farming, and the government’s vision is to transform Mithun rearing from subsistence to entrepreneurship, creating market linkages within and outside Mizoram.

The Chief Minister also addressed the impact of African Swine Fever, which has forced many farmers to shift from piggery to goat farming. He requested ICAR-CIRG to provide scientific guidance on suitable goat breeds for Mizoram’s agro-climatic conditions to ensure sustainable growth in this sector.

The day’s programme also included the release of literature, products, and technologies on Mithun, award distribution, and a National Seminar on Integrated Mithun, Goat, Poultry & Pig Farming, with experts from ICAR sharing research and strategies for integrated livestock development.

The event was graced by C. Lalsawivunga, Minister, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Department, Mizoram, and Gabriel D. Wangsu, Minister, Agriculture & Allied, Arunachal Pradesh as Guests of Honour, with Dr. Raghavendra Bhatta, Deputy Director General (Animal Science), ICAR, New Delhi as Special Guest. Also present were Iboyaima Meitei, Adviser, NEC, Lalsangliana, Secretary, AH&VD, Mizoram, and Dr. Girish Patil, Director, ICAR-NRCM, along with senior officials, scientists, and representatives from Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland.