Guests and participants during the inaugural session of 'brainstorming session on the development of the livestock sector in Nagaland’ held in Kohima on June 12. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express news
Kohima | June 12
Animal Husbandry Commissioner (AHC), DAHD, Government of India Dr Abhijit Mitra has underscored the viability of improving the livestock sector in the state by taking up proactive steps keeping in mind the rich resources and avenues it have.
Speaking at chief guest during the inaugural session of ‘brainstorming session on the development of the livestock sector in Nagaland under the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ held at the conference hall, ICAR-NRC, Kohima on Mithun on June 12, the speaker also called the need to strengthen linkages between Chief Ministers Micro Finance Initiative (CMMFI) and Krishi Vigyan Kendra which will maximize benefits for Nagaland’s farmers.
Dr Mitra commented that Nagaland is endowed with rich resources and good habitat but added that there are small yet critical issues which need to be addressed to unlock greater success. He encouraged the state to open Mithun farms for public. This will not only showcase Nagaland’s achievements but generate awareness and publicity.
The AHC observed that Nagaland has fewer projects compared to other states and in this regard highlighted the need to take up proactive measures so as to improve performance and come as par with other states.
Dr Mitra mentioned about how women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) were doing exceptionally well and challenged the state Nagaland to establish at least 150 women-led FPOs (Farmer Producer Organisations).
To the State Government, he asked them to take decisive steps in promoting and enhancing livestock sector, particularly in meat, milk, and egg production.
He further highlighted the need to strategize sustainable growth in Nagaland’s livestock industry under the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan.
Piggery dominates Nagaland’s livestock sector
Advisor for Agriculture, Government of Nagaland, Mhathung Yanthung while speaking as special guest said that under the CMMFI out of 1655 beneficiaries given till date, 67.20% have opted for livestock out of which piggery stands 59.3%, poultry 5.7% and goatery 5.9%.
He pointed out the importance of rearing livestock and also observed that there was interest among the people in this sector regardless of any condition.
The Advisor expressed the need for all concerned stakeholders to come together and work towards achieving Viksit Nagaland 2047. He said at the government level, it has been undertaking thorough meetings and discussions and had created a roadmap for the same.
Yanthan also urged all participants to bring bold ideas to the table, ideas that are pragmatic, scalable and farmer centric, especially in the field of agriculture and tribal livelihood.
‘Need to improve indigenous breeds’
Guest of honour, Vikeyie Kenya, IAS Commissioner & Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry, Government of Nagaland mentioned that the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services is vital for socio-economic growth and stated that the state is home to indigenous livestock like cattle, goats, poultry, pigs, and mithun, reared traditionally which is turn supports rural livelihoods.
He called on the need to improve indigenous breeds such as Thudo Cattle, Sumi Ne Goat, Tenyi Vo Pig, and Mithun—is crucial for their high-quality meat and unique taste.
Kenya added that the government prioritizes livestock development due to its cultural significance and to reduce dependency on imports. He however noted that the sector lags behind due to outdated farming methods.
Kenya said due to the rising demand for organic, free-range livestock presents opportunities, especially for rural women, modernizing small-scale piggery and poultry farming can curb urban migration.
He commended ICAR-NRC, Jharnapani, for their work on mithun, a culturally revered animal and state symbol.
On challenges, he said the indigenous breeds have lower yields than modern breeds, requiring scientific breeding programme, and mentioned how hilly terrain, poor infrastructure, and lack of cold storage hinder large-scale trade.
The officer also added that African Swine Fever outbreaks demand better biosecurity and surveillance.
Apart from that he also mentioned that central schemes face implementation hurdles due to rigid guidelines unsuitable for hilly regions and urged flexible policies for NE states.
He said NLM’s Entrepreneur Development Programme shows promise, with youth engaging in piggery, poultry, and goatery. However, it excludes marginal farmers where funding structures must be revisited.
Kenya highlighted that Nagaland’s livestock sector has immense potential but needs improved veterinary services, feed management, breeding, and infrastructure.
State records 91% drop in key livestock species: ICAR-NRC
Dr Girish Patil, Director, ICAR-NRC on Mithun in his welcome note stated that as envisioned by the Prime Minister and the Government of India, the nation aspires to become a Viksit Bharat by 2047. To realize this vision, India needs to sustain 8% annual economic growth—requiring agriculture to grow at 5%. In this regard, he said, livestock sector is vital for achieving this, particularly in Nagaland, where it plays a key role in nutrition and livelihoods.
Patil informed that in a recent meeting, the Chief Minister of Nagaland emphasised the need to chart a roadmap for Viksit Nagaland.
He said meat is a primary animal protein source in the state (14 kg per capita vs. 7 kg nationally), and milk consumption significantly lower (51g vs. 429g nationally), revitalizing the livestock sector is crucial. However, the 20th Livestock Census reveals alarming declines in major species—cattle, buffalo, Mithun, goats, pigs, and others—down by up to 91%. Only dogs and rabbits showed a modest rise.
The overall livestock population dropped by 28%, a trend echoed in the latest census. This is concerning given Nagaland’s meat-eating culture and rising per capita income, which has doubled over the past 11 years, he added.
Meanwhile, Patil also informed that the state’s economy is growing rapidly, with SGDP averaging 9.9% over the past decade—rising from Rs 12,065 crore in 2011–12 to Rs 45,000 crore in 2024–25. This growth will increase demand for livestock products, currently met largely through imports. Strengthening production and productivity can enhance affordability, ensure food security, and create jobs.
He informed that the Livestock is also essential for sustainable agriculture—farmyard manure being irreplaceable for soil fertility in hilly terrain. Hence, this brainstorming session aims to address challenges and strategies to strengthen the livestock sector in the Amrit Kaal.
ICAR teams cover 1,110 villages in 2 weeks
Dr H Kalita, head of regional centre ICAR RC for NEH Nagaland centre and Nodal officer VKAS Nagaland in his speech mentioned that the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA) was launched on May 29, 2025 and not just an awareness campaign but a nationwide agricultural movement aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047.
Despite the onset of the monsoon and the challenging hilly terrain, he mentioned that they have collectively achieved historic milestones. In just two weeks, 1,110 villages, including the most remote, were reached.
The campaign engaged 1,10,861 farmers—62,387 men and 48,634 women. 36 multidisciplinary teams from ICAR Institutes, 11 KVKs, Central Agricultural University, Nagaland University, and officials from the State Agriculture and Allied Departments led this massive outreach. Eight VIPs and elected representatives also lent their presence and support.
This campaign, he informed focused on grassroots action, technology dissemination, problem identification, and community participation. Our teams connected the entire production–processing–value addition chain, bringing scientific knowledge directly to the farmers.
Special Guest Ninong Ering, HMLA Cum Advisor department of hydro Government of Arunachal Pradesh also gave a short speech. Dr Phool Kumari, Head KVK Dimapur pronounced the vote of thanks.
The programme was organised by ICAR - National Research Centre on Mithun, Nagaland in collaboration with ICAR Nagaland Centre & Animal Husbandary.
