In a significant step towards strengthening sustainable mithun rearing in Arunachal Pradesh, the ICAR–Arunachal Pradesh Centre at Leparada district has extended support to mithun farmers of Siang district by supplying Hybrid Napier root slips for the establishment of dedicated fodder plots. The support was extended through the Jomlo Mongku Mithun Farmer Federation (JMMFF) with the objective of creating reliable and quality green fodder resources for mithuns. The initiative also seeks to encourage farmers to gradually adopt semi-intensive mithun rearing practices in the state.
Arunachal Pradesh has the highest mithun population in the country, making conservation and scientific management of the animal crucial for livelihood security as well as cultural preservation. Officials said the introduction of high-yielding fodder crops such as Hybrid Napier is expected to reduce pressure on forest grazing areas, improve animal nutrition and enhance overall productivity. JMMFF chairman Tadang Tamut, on behalf of the federation and mithun farmers of Siang district, welcomed the initiative and expressed gratitude to ICAR–AP Centre Head Dr Doni Jini and senior scientist Joken Bam for their continued support and encouragement towards promoting sustainable mithun husbandry in the region.
