Mithun (Bos
frontalis), is a unique bovine species which is an important component of the livestock production system of the North-Eastern Hilly Region.
Semi-Wild: Semi-Domesticated, traditional
mithun-rearing believed to have been started more than 8000 years ago
Found in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram
and Manipur + many pockets of the neighbouring countries.
An extremely efficient grazer on steep hilly
slopes compared to other animals.
Primarily reared for its meat which is highly
preferred among the tribal people of the North East (Kuki-Mizo-Naga-Arunachal
tribes…).
Also used as a ceremonial animal and plays an
important role in the economical, social and cultural life of the
mithun-rearing-Tribes.
It is now established that superior quality milk (contains high
protein+fat) and hide can be
obtained from mithun.
National Research Centre on Mithun established
by ICAR in 1988 (@Jharpani, Medziphema, Nagaland) to conserve, propagate and
improve this species for future use.
18th livestock census, India (2007): Total
mithun population 2,64,279. Arunachal Pradesh is home to 82.84% ( 2,18,931) of
mithun followed by 12.63% (33,385) in Nagaland, 3.79% (10,024) in Manipur and
0.73% (1,939) in Mizoram.
Community-led Mithun Rearing for Livelihood
& Forest conservation can be an innovative game-changer in rural
development.
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