INNOVATION:
Nagas were averse to keeping and domesticating goats. By a superstitious belief goat were considered as bad animal associated with bad omen. In the olden days Nagas will not even look at the animal, not to speak of eating its meat. It was said that in a war with a neighbouring Non-Naga community in the late 19th century, the Non-Nagas took a goat and managed to confuse the invincible Nagas and won the war. Another story is told that Non-Nagas came to a Naga village to offer a goat as a sign of gratitude for receiving a favour, but the Naga villagers got so angry that they killed all those who came except one of them who was told to take away the evil animal at once. Given such an abomination for goats by the Nagas, one can imagine the Nagas would not rear goats. It is evident that; even today older generation especially women folks of eastern Nagaland like Sangtam still consider eating chevon/mutton as taboo. But today the Nagas younger generation have got a taste of chevon/Mutton and the demand is growing. Except for importing everything, nothing has been produced locally. Thus introducing the rearing of goats by the Nagas is truly innovative. For the Nagas it is a novel idea to rear goats, and it is a path- breaking initiative that the key players are doing, including, NABARD, ICAR, KVK and Better Life Foundation.
Definitely goat rearing cannot be looked upon as innovative idea elsewhere in India. But for Nagaland it is a completely new animal we are introducing. Goat and its meat is almost becoming popular so that the demand is higher than the supply. It is lucrative as well as feasible in terms of availability of fodder, ready markets, eager farmers and availability of vets and clinics. It is also environmentally sound and no great impact is made with regard to land degradation as compared to cows or mithuns, as certified by scientific institutions like ICAR. Thus this project is a prototype for Nagaland.
The climatic conditions are suitable for goat rearing. The area has a warm temperate climate in summer and cold in winter quite similar to some north Indian areas like Uttaranchal, Himachal Pradesh etc. Some extra care might be needed during the rainy seasons as the area gets higher rainfall.
More specifically, the project is;
A completely new economic activity is introduced - GOAT rearing- to the Naga community who are not used to Goat rearing or eating goat meat in the past.
Some members of community are trained and they are eager to implement as a lead economic activity.
A handful of bare-foot veterinarians have been trained on techniques and management of the goat rearing.
The community has welcome, liked the new project and accepted it as viable economic activity.
Peoples’ acceptance of the project concept ensures success as well as its replicability.
The climate and the topography and vegetation are suitable for rearing goats.
Definitely goat rearing cannot be looked upon as innovative idea elsewhere in India. But for Nagaland it is a completely new animal we are introducing. Goat and its meat is almost becoming popular so that the demand is higher than the supply. It is lucrative as well as feasible in terms of availability of fodder, ready markets, eager farmers and availability of vets and clinics. It is also environmentally sound and no great impact is made with regard to land degradation as compared to cows or mithuns, as certified by scientific institutions like ICAR. Thus this project is a prototype for Nagaland.
The climatic conditions are suitable for goat rearing. The area has a warm temperate climate in summer and cold in winter quite similar to some north Indian areas like Uttaranchal, Himachal Pradesh etc. Some extra care might be needed during the rainy seasons as the area gets higher rainfall.
More specifically, the project is;
A completely new economic activity is introduced - GOAT rearing- to the Naga community who are not used to Goat rearing or eating goat meat in the past.
Some members of community are trained and they are eager to implement as a lead economic activity.
A handful of bare-foot veterinarians have been trained on techniques and management of the goat rearing.
The community has welcome, liked the new project and accepted it as viable economic activity.
Peoples’ acceptance of the project concept ensures success as well as its replicability.
The climate and the topography and vegetation are suitable for rearing goats.
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| Scientific knowledge enhancing traditional knowledge system |
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| Innovative Goat Farm of Better Life Foundation was critically analyzed by odd 23 Scientists, Environment Sustainability, Economic viability and Replicability Press clipping DIMAPUR: Article published on 11/17/2010 12:06:40 AM IST courtesy: "Nagaland Post" www.nagalandpost.com National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Nagaland Regional Office, Dimapur organized an “Interface with Scientists for identification of New and Innovative Technology for Transfer” in the conference hall of SASARD, Medziphema on November 11. Dr. R.C. Nayak, DEAN of SASARD inaugurated the programme in the presence of DR. C. Rajkhowa, Director, National Research Centre for Mithun, Jharnapani; Dr. B.P. Bhatt; Joint Director, ICAR, Jharnapani and Dr. Deepak Chettri; Joint Director, Agri, Govt. of Nagaland. The programme was attended by a number of scientists from ICAR, NRC-M, 07 Krishi Vijgan Kendra’s from Dimapur, Kohima, Phek, Wokha, Mon, Mokokchung and Tuensang) and all departments of SASARD. Dr. U.S. Saha, general manager, NABARD, RO, Dimapur, himself a research scholar welcomed the gathering and raised some of thought provoking, crucial issues for the scientists to ponder, especially on sustainability and food security. The scientists from ICAR, SASARD, NRC-M and KVK shared their learning’s and constraints at the grass-root level. A couple of innovators, Imlitoshi (Solar dryer/energy conservation), Sethrichem Sangtam from Better Life Foundation were also given opportunity to share their innovation, innovative ideas for critical analysis and replication. Other representatives from NGOs like Prodigals Home and Rongmei Baptist Association (RBA) also attended the program. M K Mandal, deputy general manager; N Guite, assistant general manager and G. T. Khup, manager of NABARD, Nagaland RO also participated in the programme. An action plan for transfer of technology to the farmer’s field with the active involvement of ICAR, KVKs and SASARD was also prepared. |
