Mithun Day: A New Dawn for Assam's Endangered Cattle Species

Simanta Barman

Records indicate a long association of Mithun with the ethnic groups of the Northeast. This semi-wild bovine serves as a symbol of pride and local currency for barter trade.

The species, endemic to the region, has a strong ethnic association spanning over 8000 years. As the state animal of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, it has been predominantly perceived as a meat-rearing animal.

However, the recent discovery of Mithun populations in remote parts of Assam has ignited new interest in its conservation. Until now, Mithun was primarily limited to Mizoram, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland.

The discovery in Assam's Dima Hasao district has sparked hope for the species' conservation. Villagers in Laisong, Langting, and Thaijuwari have been rearing Mithun for generations. Experts believe that due to the species' prevalence in other states, its presence in Assam might have been overlooked.

With over two hundred Mithuns found in these pockets, experts are now training villagers in scientific methods by establishing semi-intensive rearing units. This discovery marks a paradigm shift in Mithun conservation in Assam.

According to the 2019 livestock census, India has nearly 3.9 lakh Mithuns, with 90 percent concentrated in Arunachal Pradesh. The Mithun population in India is categorized into four strains. It remains to be seen whether the Assam strain will be categorized differently or sub-categorized into an existing one.

Conservation Efforts

Mithuns primarily belong to a free-grazing environment and live on vegetation and tree forages. Due to their susceptibility to certain diseases, conservation measures are crucial at state levels.

The ICAR- National Research Centre (NRC) on Mithun in Medziphema, Nagaland, oversees collective efforts and scientific know-how. The observance of 'Mithun Day' in 2023 recognized Mithun as a food animal by the Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI).

Tashi Dorji et al emphasize the cultural significance of the species, listing twelve ethnic festivals worldwide where Mithuns take center stage. Ten of these festivals are from Arunachal Pradesh alone, highlighting its importance in the state's socio-cultural setup.

The Nagaland government's promotion of Mithun farming as a sustainable alternative to slash-and-burn agriculture is commendable. This not only helps regulate harmful agricultural practices but also conserves rare plant species.

K K Baruah et al suggest that Mithun should be conserved for potential scientific use, including as control populations for genetic research. While the role of research institutes has been questioned, recent developments at ICAR-NRC promise a brighter future.

Technological Interventions

ICAR-NRC has developed a blockchain-based application for Mithun herd registration, traceability, and online marketing. This is a significant step towards ensuring effective traceability and informed policy decisions.

The institute is also using artificial intelligence to detect eighteen types of parasites that pose a risk to Mithuns. This technology eliminates the need for physical examination by experts in remote regions, enhancing detection efficacy and speeding up protection measures.

Additionally, ICAR-NRC has launched an advanced urine-based pregnancy diagnosis kit for farmers. This kit is said to be more cost-effective than existing alternatives.

Efforts are also being made to diversify Mithun-based products to create more livelihood opportunities. However, a more systematic approach at the national level is necessary to safeguard this species. Establishing a cross-border knowledge-sharing platform with countries like Nepal and Bangladesh can be a positive step towards collective conservation measures.

Simanta Barman is a freelance journalist based in Assam. He can be reached at simantabarman.work@gmail.com