First Mithun Mela and Health Camp Promotes Sustainable Farming in West Siang

Itanagar, India Aug 26, 2026 ALN: The first-ever Mithun Mela-cum-Health Camp and Siangmi Breed Awareness Camp took place at Kunu Yami village under the Kamba ADC Circle in the West Siang district on Monday. This event brought together mithun farmers, officials, experts, and community members to promote scientific mithun farming and the conservation of the Siangmi breed.

The program was organized by the Mithun Farmers Federation in collaboration with TAMFWA. Over 120 mithuns were showcased at farms in Kamba, Kato, and Kunu Yami villages, highlighting the importance of this breed to the local economy and culture. Mithun, a semi-domesticated bovine species native to the northeastern region of India, is not only a source of livelihood for many farmers but also holds significant cultural value among various indigenous communities in . The breed is known for its adaptability to the hilly terrain and is often used in traditional rituals and celebrations, further embedding it into the social fabric of the region.

Nyamar Karbak, Chairman of IT & e-Governance, attended the event as the chief guest, while State Food Commission Chairman Tarh Tarak and West Siang Deputy Commissioner Mindo Loyi served as guests of honor. Karbak described the event as a historic initiative and called for its expansion into a comprehensive program. He emphasized the need for scientific and sustainable mithun farming practices and encouraged farmers to participate in future editions. Additionally, he urged the community to discourage the indiscriminate sacrifice of mithuns, which is a practice that can threaten the sustainability of the breed and disrupt local ecosystems.

Deputy Commissioner Loyi praised the organizers and encouraged the community to strengthen the traditional “LURA System,” which plays a crucial role in the social and cultural practices associated with mithun. The LURA System refers to a traditional communal practice in which mithuns are raised and managed collectively, ensuring a sustainable approach to farming that benefits the entire community. He highlighted the importance of preserving these traditions while promoting modern farming techniques, suggesting that a blend of traditional knowledge and contemporary practices could lead to better outcomes for mithun farmers.

Maji Chokar, a member of the State Food Commission, noted that the government is working towards better planning and support mechanisms for mithun farmers. He urged the Mithun Farmers Federation to expand its activities to other districts to benefit a larger number of farmers. This call for expansion is significant as it indicates a recognition of the potential economic impact that mithun farming can have across the region, particularly in rural areas where agriculture is a primary source of income.

District Veterinary Officer Yani Ngomdir advised farmers on the importance of timely vaccinations and proper animal healthcare. He also discussed various government schemes available for the welfare and development of mithun farmers, emphasizing the need for proactive health management. The veterinary advice provided at the event underscores the critical role that animal health plays in sustainable farming practices. Healthy mithuns are not only more productive but also less likely to transmit diseases that can affect other livestock and even human populations.

Earlier in the program, Yomli Geyi highlighted the significance of the mela in supporting mithun farmers and preserving the animal’s traditional socio-cultural importance. The event served as a platform for knowledge sharing and community engagement, fostering a sense of unity among farmers and stakeholders in the mithun farming sector. Such gatherings are essential for reinforcing community ties and encouraging collaboration among farmers, which can lead to shared resources and collective problem-solving.

Retired Deputy Commissioner and APARC member Hento Karga, ADC Kamba Ejum Angu, and scientists from the ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun in Nagaland also addressed the gathering. They shared valuable insights on mithun breeding, health management, conservation, and scientific farming practices. The involvement of scientists and experts is particularly important as it brings evidence-based approaches to traditional farming practices, allowing farmers to make informed decisions that could enhance productivity and sustainability.

The event attracted mithun farmers from the Siang district, members of the public from West Siang, and senior citizens, showcasing the community's commitment to sustainable agriculture. Such participation reflects a growing awareness of the importance of sustainable farming practices in the face of challenges such as climate change and economic pressures. Engaging the younger generation in these practices is also crucial for the future of mithun farming, ensuring that traditional knowledge is passed down while also integrating new techniques.

The program concluded with a collective call for efforts towards the conservation, scientific management, and sustainable development of mithun farming in the region. This collective commitment is vital as it not only addresses the immediate needs of mithun farmers but also sets a foundation for long-term sustainability and resilience in the face of changing environmental and economic conditions. The success of such initiatives could serve as a model for similar programs in other regions, promoting the conservation of indigenous breeds and sustainable farming practices across India.