Nagaland’s iconic mithun has achieved global recognition with ‘Nagami’ being registered as the world’s first officially recognised mithun breed, marking a historic milestone in livestock science and indigenous conservation.

What is the Nagami Mithun recognition about?

• Nagami has become the first documented breed of mithun (Bos frontalis) anywhere in the world.
• The registration was secured by ICAR–National Research Centre on Mithun, and formally approved by ICAR–National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources.
• This recognition addresses a long-standing gap, as mithun populations in the Northeast were never formally classified earlier.

Significance

• Mithun is the State animal of Nagaland and holds deep cultural, social and economic value for Naga tribal communities.
• Lack of breed status earlier limited scientific breeding, genetic improvement, and policy support.
• Formal recognition now enables:
  • Targeted conservation programmes
  • Planned breeding strategies
  • Improved livelihood opportunities for mithun rearers

Key scientific findings

• Researchers conducted phenotypic, morphometric and genetic studies to establish breed identity.
• Nagami Mithun characteristics include:
  • Predominantly black coat with white markings on lower legs
  • Compact and sturdy body
  • Strong adaptation to forested hill ecosystems
• Genetic analysis confirmed it as distinct from other mithun populations across the Northeast.

Community and ecological link

• The breed is widely reared across several districts of Nagaland under traditional free-range systems.
• Mithun graze in community-managed forests, reflecting:
  • Indigenous governance
  • Sustainable forest use
  • Strong human–animal–ecosystem linkage

Institutional support

• The achievement followed sustained engagement with:
  • Mithun rearers
  • Village councils
  • State departments
• It builds on earlier milestones such as:
  • Food Safety and Standards Authority of India recognising mithun as a food animal in 2023
  • Inclusion of mithun in the Food and Agriculture Organization global animal diversity database in the same year

Exam Hook – Prelims 

Q. With reference to ‘Nagami’ Mithun, consider the following statements:

1. Nagami is the first officially recognised mithun breed in the world.
2. Mithun populations were formally classified into breeds in India decades ago.
3. Nagami Mithun is traditionally reared under free-range systems in community forests of Nagaland.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct answer: (a)

One-line wrap:
The recognition of Nagami Mithun places Nagaland at the centre of global indigenous livestock conservation and scientific breeding.

SOURCE