Nagami Mithun has finally been registered as the world’s first recognised Mithun breed, giving Nagaland’s state animal a scientific identity.
The National Research Centre on Mithun (NRCM), based at Medziphema, Nagaland on Monday announced that the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR), Karnal (Haryana) confirmed the registration following years of systematic scientific investigation, documentation and validation.
The FSSAI recognition provided a boost to promote Mithun as an alternative and a new option for meat lovers.
Mithun is part of culture and tradition of several indigenous communities in the Northeast. Despite its importance, Mithun populations had remained largely uncharacterised at the breed level, which posed challenges for scientific conservation, genetic improvement, and policy support, he said.
For Nagas, the mithun is not just an animal, but a symbol of wealth, prestige, and social status.