A growing coalition of farmers, researchers, and tribal leaders from across Northeast India is urging the Central Government to include mithun—a rare, semi-domesticated bovine—under the National Livestock Mission (NLM). They argue that such a move is critical not just for biodiversity and conservation, but also for the economic upliftment of rural and tribal communities who have raised mithun for generations.
What Is Mithun and Why It Matters
A Sacred and Economic Asset
Often called the “cattle of the clouds,” mithun (Bos frontalis) is deeply woven into the cultural fabric of many tribes across Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram. This unique bovine species is not only a symbol of wealth and status but also plays a vital role in traditional ceremonies, dowries, and community feasts.
Mithun are usually reared in forested and hilly regions, and their low-maintenance, free-range grazing system makes them highly suitable for sustainable livestock farming in ecologically sensitive zones.
Despite its significance, mithun is currently excluded from mainstream livestock development programs, including the National Livestock Mission, which supports dairy, poultry, sheep, goat, and pig farming.
Farmers & Scientists Unite for Inclusion
An Urgent Appeal to the Centre
In recent weeks, experts from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and state agriculture departments have joined hands with tribal elders and farmer cooperatives to formally submit a policy memorandum to the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying. The key demand: Include mithun in the National Livestock Mission.
According to Dr. P. Nabam, a livestock geneticist from ICAR-NRC on Mithun,
“Ignoring mithun in national livestock schemes is a missed opportunity. These animals are resilient, eco-friendly, and deeply integrated into tribal livelihoods.”
Economic & Environmental Potential
Supporting Rural Livelihoods and Forest Conservation
Including mithun in the NLM can deliver a twofold benefit:
- Boosting rural incomes: Tribal households can earn more through structured breeding, health care, and market access support.
- Conservation of forests: Mithun graze in forests without damaging biodiversity, promoting harmonious human–nature interaction.
Currently, many farmers rear mithun informally, lacking access to veterinary services, financial incentives, or insurance coverage. With proper government support, experts believe mithun farming can become a viable and sustainable income stream in underserved areas.
Policy Gaps and Missed Opportunities
Exclusion from NLM: A Historical Oversight
Launched in 2014, the National Livestock Mission aims to enhance livestock productivity and support employment in animal husbandry. However, its focus has remained narrow, largely ignoring region-specific breeds like mithun.
Without central inclusion, mithun farmers miss out on key benefits, such as:
- Subsidized breeding programs
- Livestock health coverage
- Training and awareness programs
- Infrastructure funding for livestock sheds and feed
States like Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland have attempted state-level interventions, but these are often underfunded and lack scalability. Inclusion in NLM would allow tribal states to access central resources and expertise.
See also: National Livestock Mission Official Portal
Tribal Voices Amplify the Message
Culture Meets Conservation
For tribes like the Nyishi, Apatani, and Ao Naga, mithun is far more than livestock—it represents cultural heritage, social identity, and food security.
Loma Sora, a community leader from Arunachal Pradesh, emphasized,
“Mithun connects us to our ancestors. But our young people won’t raise them if there’s no support. Including mithun in national programs will help protect our traditions.”
Additionally, women’s self-help groups and youth cooperatives are now exploring mithun-based entrepreneurship, such as organic meat processing and eco-tourism, both of which would benefit from formal policy backing.
What Inclusion Would Look Like
Proposed Steps by Experts
Here’s what scientists and farmers propose under NLM:
- Breed improvement and conservation centers for mithun
- Veterinary care mobile units in remote villages
- Livestock insurance coverage specific to mithun mortality risks
- Training modules for tribal youth and women
- Market development through government-backed cooperatives
These steps would not only enhance mithun productivity but also help preserve indigenous knowledge systems.
A Policy Shift for Sustainable Development
As India pushes for inclusive and sustainable development in its Northeastern states, it’s crucial that national programs reflect local priorities. Including mithun in the National Livestock Mission can serve as a powerful example of policy rooted in cultural respect and ecological sustainability.
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