Aizawl: Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Monday inaugurated the 3rd Mithun Day and National Seminar on Integrated Mithun Farming at Thenzawl Auditorium. The event brought together scientists, policymakers, and livestock experts to discuss how indigenous livestock like Mithun can help address Mizoram’s growing meat demand.
In his keynote address, the Chief Minister revealed that Mizoram currently spends around ₹630 crore annually on meat consumption, with ₹40 crore worth of meat imported from outside the state. He said this trend highlights an urgent need to scale up local production and create a self-sustaining livestock economy.
One of the state’s key responses has been the promotion of Mithun farming, an indigenous practice deeply rooted in the culture of Northeast India. According to the Chief Minister, 41 villages in Mizoram are already involved in Mithun rearing. The government now aims to transition this traditional practice into a modern, market-driven enterprise, with support from research institutions and improved infrastructure.
Lalduhoma also cited the success of the Mizoram Handholding Scheme, under which over 16,000 “Progress Partners” have already taken up livestock farming as a sustainable livelihood option. He noted that public trust in animal husbandry is growing, but that major gaps remain, including limited access to technology, scientific breeding centres, and fodder supply.
To address these challenges, the state is working closely with ICAR, the North Eastern Council (NEC), and other national institutions. The Chief Minister appreciated the efforts of the Mithun Multiplication Centre at Lungkawlh, run by NEC, and the Rashtriya Gokul Mission’s Mithun Breed Development & Conservation Centre at Thenzawl, both of which are critical to improving breed quality and expanding herd size.
He also spoke about the broader impact of African Swine Fever, which has hit Mizoram’s piggery sector hard. As many farmers transition to goat farming, the Chief Minister urged ICAR-CIRG to provide scientific guidance on goat breeds suited to Mizoram’s agro-climatic conditions, ensuring that the shift is both sustainable and profitable.
The day’s programme included the release of literature, livestock technologies, and awareness materials on Mithun farming. A National Seminar on Integrated Mithun, Goat, Poultry, and Pig Farming followed, where scientists from across India shared strategies for integrated livestock development.
The event was attended by C. Lalsawivunga, Minister for Animal Husbandry & Veterinary, Mizoram; Shri Gabriel D. Wangsu, Minister for Agriculture & Allied, Arunachal Pradesh; Dr. Raghavendra Bhatta, Deputy Director General (Animal Science), ICAR; and other dignitaries from Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, NEC, and ICAR institutions.
With growing community participation and institutional support, Mizoram is hoping that indigenous livestock farming — especially Mithun rearing — will be the key to reducing the ₹40 crore in annual meat imports and building a resilient rural economy.