Manipur August 2026

The ICAR–National Research Centre on Mithun (ICAR–NRCM), Medziphema, has conducted a three-day field outreach programme across Kamjong and Tengnoupal districts of Manipur, bringing scientific breeding, animal health and improved husbandry practices directly to Mithun-rearing communities.

The programme was organised jointly with the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Manipur Centre, Lamphelpat, and the Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Services, Government of Manipur. It was carried out under the North Eastern Council (NEC)-funded NERCORMS initiative on “Establishing Mithun Breeding and Conservation Centre in Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh.”

Breeding and Health Camp in Kamjong

The outreach began on 10 August at Louphong Village in Kamjong district, where a Breeding-cum-Health Camp brought together 55 Mithun farmers.

During the camp, 14 Mithun were vaccinated and ear-tagged, while body measurements were recorded to support animal identification and systematic herd documentation. Farmers received guidance on scientific breeding, preventive healthcare, timely vaccination and maintaining herd records.

A practical demonstration also introduced farmers to the use of an ICAR–NRCM-developed measuring tape for estimating Mithun body weight, providing a simple field-level tool for better animal management.

Farmers Trained in Scientific Husbandry

The second day of the programme, 11 August, focused on farmer training at Machi Village in Tengnoupal district. The session attracted 58 participants, including Mithun farmers, representatives of non-governmental organisations and officials from the State Veterinary Department.

Training sessions covered planned breeding, selection of superior breeding animals and measures to avoid indiscriminate mating. Participants were also trained in scientific feeding, disease prevention, reproductive management, animal identification and routine health monitoring.

The organisers highlighted the importance of involving local communities in breeding and conservation efforts to ensure that Mithun improvement programmes remain sustainable over the long term.

FMD Vaccination and Veterinary Care

The programme concluded on 12 August with a Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccination and health camp at Machi Village.

The camp recorded the participation of 54 farmers, with more than 25 Mithun vaccinated against FMD. Animals were also ear-tagged and subjected to body measurements to strengthen identification and record-keeping.

Veterinary treatment was provided to animals suffering from tick infestation and skin infections. Farmers were further advised on regular vaccination, disease prevention, biosecurity measures and preventive healthcare.

167 Participant Attendances Recorded

Across the three-day programme, the initiative recorded 167 farmer and participant attendances. By combining breeding support, vaccination, animal identification, veterinary treatment and improved husbandry training, the outreach programme sought to address several key aspects of Mithun management at the community level.

The interventions are expected to support better Mithun productivity, conservation of valuable genetic resources and sustainable livelihoods among tribal communities dependent on Mithun rearing.

The field programme demonstrates the importance of taking scientific livestock technologies and veterinary services directly to remote farming communities, while strengthening community participation in the conservation and sustainable development of Mithun populations in Northeast India.

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