Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Animal Husbandry Minister Gabriel D Wangsu has urged northeastern states to work together for the conservation and sustainable development of Mithun, a semi-domesticated bovine deeply embedded in the region’s culture and economy.
Speaking at the 3rd Mithun Day celebrations in Thenzawl, Mizoram, on Monday, themed ‘Integrated Mithun Farming’, Wangsu described Mithun as “a cultural anchor, an economic backbone, and a living symbol of unity that binds the Northeast.”
He noted that Arunachal Pradesh, which accounts for over 90 percent of India’s 3.9 lakh Mithun population, considers the animal a shared heritage of all northeastern states.
Highlighting recent milestones, the minister pointed to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India’s (FSSAI) recognition of Mithun meat under the name “WESHI” and its inclusion in the Domestic Animal Diversity Information System (DAD-IS).
These steps, he said, have paved the way for commercial farming and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Wangsu outlined measures taken under Chief Minister Pema Khandu’s leadership to modernize Mithun rearing, including scientific breeding, fodder development, healthcare, vaccinations, and farmer cooperatives.
He lauded collaborations with ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun for driving significant progress and commended Mizoram for its initiatives in breed improvement, pasture development, and farmer training.
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Addressing challenges such as climate change, shrinking grazing areas, lack of value-chain systems, and changing lifestyles, Wangsu stressed the need for innovation, inter-state cooperation, and the blending of scientific methods with traditional practices.
“The Mithun has survived ice ages and social upheavals; we must draw from its resilience to adapt and thrive,” he said.
The event, attended by Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma, Animal Husbandry Minister C Lalsawivunga, ICAR officials, policymakers, scientists, and farmers, reaffirmed the commitment to safeguard this iconic species.
Mithun Day is celebrated annually on a rotational basis among northeastern states.
