Hill communities across the northeastern states rely heavily on livestock for their cultural heritage and economic security. Speaking at a high-level gathering in Haflong, located in the Dima Hasao district of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Husbandry Minister Gabriel D Wangsu underscored the urgent need to modernize Mithun and cattle farming practices throughout the region. He called upon regional leadership and livestock experts to roll out robust policy initiatives, raise awareness regarding livestock health challenges, and adopt modern agricultural techniques to protect farmers from systemic financial risks.
Focus on Scientific Rearing and Disease Mitigation
Central to the discussion was the threat posed by contagious livestock conditions, particularly Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), which periodically impacts herds across hill regions. Minister Wangsu pointed out that safeguarding livestock requires proactive policy interventions alongside structured awareness drives among rural farmers. He emphasized that traditional free-roaming practices should be combined with scientific fencing techniques to curb the transmission of emerging diseases, improve animal security, and make livestock rearing economically resilient for tribal families.
Highlighting the deep-rooted cultural importance of the animal, Wangsu stated that Mithun is not just livestock, but an integral part of the culture, identity and livelihoods of hill communities, adding that strengthening the sector remains a shared responsibility and a common priority. Attendees explored actionable strategies to build stronger market linkages, establish joint conservation frameworks, and implement scientific herd management. These coordinated steps are aimed directly at enhancing revenue streams and protecting the economic stability of tribal livestock rearers across the entire northeastern belt.
High-Level Representation and Joint Organizational Efforts
The strategy session brought together key policymakers, agricultural scientists, and regional administrators. Prominent dignitaries included Assam Minister for Animal Husbandry & Veterinary and Fisheries Nilima Devi and Dima Hasao Autonomous Council Chief Executive Member Debolal Gorlosa. Scientific leadership was represented by Dr Raghavendra Bhatta, Deputy Director General (Animal Science) at ICAR, along with Dr K M Bujarbaruah and Dr Niranjan Kalita, alongside delegates representing multiple northeastern state governments.
Following the strategic meeting, Minister Wangsu joined delegates in observing the 4th Mithun Day celebration at Haflong. The event was organized by the ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun based in Medziphema, Nagaland, in partnership with the ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute in Bengaluru and the Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Department under the administrative control of the Dima Hasao Autonomous Council. Representatives from Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Meghalaya participated in the joint observance, reaffirming a shared regional commitment toward the conservation, scientific management, and long-term sustainability of Mithun farming.
