Through scientifically approved human slaughter techniques the animals are de-estuned before slaughter, reducing their suffering and stress and improving the hygiene and consumer safety of the meat.

ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun (ICAR-NRC on Mithun), Medziphema, Nagaland, in collaboration with ICAR-National Meat Research Institute (ICAR-NMRI), Hyderabad and the offices of Chief Veterinary Officers of Dimapur and Chumoukedima under the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Government of Nagaland, organised the launch of human slaughter technology and distribution of electric stunning devices for pigs and poultry at Medziphema.

The event marked a significant step towards strengthening animal welfare and food safety standards in Nagaland. Local meat vendors from Dimapur and Chumoukedima districts witnessed a live demonstration of human slaughter methods for pigs and poultry for the first time at the institute.

The Chief Guest of the event, Dr Sunil Dole, Head, ICAR-Mizoram Centre, Kolasib, encouraged the participants to adopt humane slaughter methods. He said that this will help in protecting the health of consumers, adhering to legal standards and setting a positive example in the meat sector. He also assured continuous technical support, training, and guidance from the scientific community for effective adoption of the technology.

In his inaugural address, Dr. Girish Patil S., Director, ICAR-NRC on Mithun said that the traditional slaughter practices prevalent in many regions are not in conformity with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the Human Slaughter Protocol laid down by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). He pointed out that such practices cause unnecessary suffering to the animals and may raise concerns related to hygiene and quality of meat.

To address these problems, the event demonstrated scientifically approved human slaughter techniques based on electric stunning for pigs and poultry. Through this technique, the animals are de-estuned before slaughter, reducing their suffering and stress and improving the hygiene and consumer safety of the meat.

A virtual presentation on the benefits and uses of human slaughter technology was also made during the event for local butchers, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders in the meat sector.

The participants were given hands-on training on the correct use of electrical stunning devices. Through direct demonstrations, he gained experience and confidence in the operation of the equipment. The butchers were motivated to widely adopt and promote hygienic and humane meat handling practices in local markets.

Under this initiative, complete sets of electrical stunning devices were distributed to 28 beneficiaries to promote humane slaughter practices and clean meat management at the grassroots level.

The event was organised in collaboration with the offices of Chief Veterinary Officers of Dimapur and Chumoukedima under the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Government of Nagaland.