ITANAGAR :  An awareness programme on Mithun health management and fodder plantation was organised at two locations in East Siang district on Sunday to promote scientific and sustainable Mithun farming.

The programme was organised jointly by the Jomlo Mongku Mithun Farmer Federation and the ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun under the initiative of Dr Girish Patil and Tadang Tamut, according to an official statement.

The programme commenced at Ayeng village with the establishment of a model semi-intensive Mithun farm, where farmers were sensitised on improved health management practices, scientific rearing techniques and the importance of fodder plantation to ensure year-round nutrition for the livestock.

A major highlight of the event was the field trial of a solar-powered GPS-GSM ear-tag tracking device for free-range Mithuns. The waterproof device, equipped with a solar rechargeable battery, enables farmers to monitor and locate animals even in dense forest areas.

Officials said the technology is expected to help trace sick, injured or missing Mithuns, thereby reducing losses and improving overall herd management.

The awareness programme later continued at the Pakur Semi-Intensive Mithun Farm, where experts interacted with farmers on disease prevention, vaccination, feeding management and the need for greater scientific intervention in Mithun husbandry.

The organisers said the initiative aims to strengthen sustainable Mithun farming by combining modern technology with scientific knowledge, while supporting the long-term conservation and development of the state’s iconic bovine species.