MITHUN
- ENVIRONMENT
News:
Northeast’s Mithun gets
‘food animal’ tag and its meat a leg-up
What's
in the news?
●
The Mithun - steeped in cultural and
ritual significance, and consumed for generations across many regions of the
Northeast – could be poised for another role in society.
Key
takeaways:
●
With the Food Safety and Standards
Authority of India (FSSAI) recognising the bovine as a ‘food animal’, starting September 1, work is on to help farmers and
tribal village communities benefit commercially from the sale and processing of
Mithun meat.
Mithun:
●
Mithun, scientifically known as Bos
frontalis, is a remarkable
bovine species native to the lush and hilly regions of Northeast India,
particularly the states of Arunachal
Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram.
●
Mithun serves as the state animal of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland.
●
Often referred to as the "Cattle of the Hills," Mithun
holds significant cultural, economic, and ecological importance in this region.
Characteristics:
●
Mithun is similar to domestic cattle but
has unique characteristics like a hump
on its shoulders, long horns that curve upward, and a flap of skin under its
throat.
●
The colour of their coat can be different,
with variations of black, brown, and white. The colour can be influenced by
their age and where they live.
Cultural
Significance:
●
Mithun plays a central role in the
cultures and traditions of many indigenous communities in Northeast India. It
is often referred to as the "family
bank" due to its economic importance.
●
In various tribal societies, Mithun is
used in rituals, festivals, and ceremonies, signifying prosperity and social
status.
Economic
Value:
●
Mithun is a valuable asset for local
communities, serving as a source of livelihood and sustenance.
●
They are used for meat, milk and hides,
with their meat considered a delicacy in the region. Mithun's meat is lean,
tender and sought after.
●
Mithun farming is an integral part of the
traditional agro-pastoral system in these regions.
Mithun
Meat:
Mithun meat is considered
superior due to its nutritional composition such as
●
Protein
Content: Mithun meat contains 14-19% proteins.
●
Carbohydrate
Percentage: It has a low carbohydrate percentage of
0.06-4.97.
IUCN
Status - Vulnerable
CITES - Appendix I