4th Mithun Day Celebrated in Haflong with National Seminar on Integrated Mithun Farming and Development of Mithun Sector in NER

 

Haflong, 3 September 2026 :       The 4th Mithun Day, themed “Celebrating the Pride of the Hills,” was observed today at the District Library Auditorium, Haflong, Dima Hasao, with a National Seminar on “Integrated Mithun Farming in Dima Hasao” and a Roundtable Meeting on “Development of Mithun Sector in the North Eastern Region (NER)”.

            The programme, saw participants from policymakers, scientists, researchers, officials, livestock experts and stakeholders to deliberate on the sustainable development of mithun farming and the strengthening of the mithun sector across the North Eastern Region.

  The inaugural session was attended by a distinguished gathering of dignitaries and experts. Nilima Devi, Assam Minister, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary and Fishery Department, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Debolal Gorlosa, Chief Executive Member, Dima Hasao Autonomous Council (DHAC) and Gabriel D. Wangsu, Minister, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, were the Guests of Honour. Rupali Langthasa, MLA, 113-Haflong Legislative Assembly Constituency was also present.

            Chief Guest of the programme, Nilima Devi said, “In Assam, particularly in Dima Hasao, Mithun represents a rare treasure — a species found only here in our state. I am very happy to gather so much knowledge about this rare animal today and I feel it’s presence strengthens our identity, enriches biodiversity, and connects us deeply to the traditions of our people.”

            CEM, DHAC Debolal Gorlosa said that the council is committed to advancing research, conservation, and farmer support so that Mithun rearing becomes both sustainable and prosperous. In his speech he said that programme as such elevates the productivity of the department and addressed the farmers from Laisong village in Dima Hasao who attended the session today to take full advantage of the resourceful person present from ICAR and the other scientist with immense knowledge. In Dima Hasao, Mithun is mostly reared and found in neighboring villages of Laisong.

            Arunachal Pradesh’s Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister, Gabriel D. Wangsu, underscored the urgent need to protect and promote Mithun rearing, recognizing its deep cultural and traditional significance among tribal communities. He described Mithun as a “gentle giant” and a symbol of environmental health, noting that where Mithun thrives, the natural ecosystem is at its best. He also expressed his immense happiness for having the programme organized at Haflong, in Dima Hasao as this land is filled with natural exquisiteness and unique beauty

            Others who spoke on the occasion were Manjit Langthasa, EM, DHAC, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Dr. Girish Patel S, Director, ICAR-NRC on Mithun, Dr. N. Kalita, VC, AVFU, Khanapara, Guwahati, Dr. K.M. Bujarbaruah, Former DDG (AS), ICAR & former VC, AAU, Dr. Raghavendra Bhatta, DDG ( Animal Science) ICAR, NewDelhi. Each of them Minister highlighted that Mithun is not merely livestock but a pillar of tribal identity, heritage, and social prestige and that it should be preserved.

            During the inaugural session, the dignitaries formally inaugurated the exhibition stall and interacted with the participating departments and stakeholders. The interaction provided an opportunity to showcase various activities, initiatives and developments relating to mithun husbandry and allied sectors.

            The National Seminar focused on the potential of integrated mithun farming in Dima Hasao, with discussions centred on improving production systems, scientific management, livelihood opportunities and value addition. The meeting further provided a platform for experts and representatives from the region to deliberate on strategies for the development and promotion of the mithun sector across the North Eastern Region.

            The observance of Mithun Day seeks to highlight the importance of this unique bovine species and promote scientific, sustainable and economically viable mithun-based farming systems.

            The programme was organised by ICAR–National Research Centre on Mithun, Medziphema, Nagaland, in collaboration with ICAR–Indian Veterinary Research and Dima Hasao Veterinary department.

            After a short break for lunch the Technical Session continued from 2 P.M onwards where objective of discussion wereStretegies for Development of Mithun Sector in NER where agenda included shifting Mithun production from free range to semi-intensive system, promotion of commercial Mithun production, vaccination and insurance, etc.