ITANAGAR, Jul 31: With Mithun (Bos frontalis) being an important bovine species indigenous to the North Eastern Region (NER) and its population on the wane, the heritage animal hitherto has been kept out of the “much needed” National Livestock Mission (NLM) scheme, thereby coming in the way of its overall sustenance and preservation.
In this connection, the Mithun farmers of Arunachal Pradesh in particular and the NER as a whole made a strong pitch for inclusion of the State animal in the NLM, drawing urgent attention of two Arunachal MPs Kiren Rijiju (Union Minister) and Tapir Gao to make a move so as to engineer a ‘reversal of fortune’ vis-à-vis the domestic cattle.
India possesses 3.9 lakh Mithun as per the 2019 Livestock Census — nearly 95% of the global population. Arunachal Pradesh alone possesses 91% of India’s Mithun population. However, its numbers are declining day by day due to indiscriminate slaughtering and non-scientific farming practices, stated the annoyed farmers.
Known not only for its premium quality meat but also for highly nutritious milk, Mithun is the State Animal of both Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland. It plays a crucial role in food & nutritional security, cultural heritage, and tribal livelihoods.
It has also been recognized as a food animal by FSSAI on 1st September, 2024.
Included in the Domestic Animal Diversity Information System (DAD-IS) of FAO, Rome – the domestic cattle is found in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Assam as well.
Despite its significance and recognition, Mithun still finds it out of the NLM and other central schemes, thereby robbing farmers of opportunities for sustainable management.
“Yet, Mithun remains excluded from the NLM and other central schemes, depriving farmers of scientific support, infrastructure, and sustainable management,” said Jomlo Mongku Mithun Farmers Federation (Siang).
Once included in NLM, it will promote scientific breeding, feeding, and healthcare; curb population decline through regulated farming; increase commercial value, boosting tribal farmers’ income; and also strengthen rural economies in the NER.
Moreover, the Org urged those at the helm of affairs to show a strong commitment to help overcome the “worries” on way to preserve the heritage animal for generations to come.
“We appeal to our leaders to champion this cause for the benefit of thousands of tribal Mithun farmers and to safeguard this unique heritage animal for future generations,” JMMFF chairman Tadang Tamut said.