Mithun: An option that can cater to demand for healthy and organic meat

In 2023, the Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) took a significant decision by recognising mithun as India's new meat animal. Mithun, a bovine animal, is reared by the communities living on the hills of Northeast India only. The food animal recognition offered not just a variety to the meat lovers' plates but also a healthy and organic meat option, compared to beef and mutton. In an interview with Sumir Karmakar of DH, Girish Patil S., the director of the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR)-National Research Centre on Mithun, the world’s only such centre, said mithun meat can meet the growing demand for organic and healthy meat and has the potential to carve a niche in premium markets too.

Girish Patil S., Director of the Indian Council for Agricultural Research - National Research Centre on Mithun (ICAR-NRCM).

You head the world’s only research centre on Mithun. For readers outside Northeast India, tell us a bit about Mithun.

Mithun (Bos frontalis) is a unique and indigenous bovine species found primarily in the Northeastern states of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Assam, and Mizoram. It holds deep cultural, social, and economic significance among the tribal communities in this region. Traditionally, mithun is reared under an extensive forest-based system, where they graze freely on natural vegetation. Mithun is the only species reared under the natural farming system. They are considered a symbol of wealth and prestige, often used in traditional ceremonies, social gatherings, and barter exchanges. However, they are primarily meat animals. In 2023, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) took an important decision by declaring mithun a meat animal. They also give milk, albeit in small quantities (1.5 to 2.0 litres per day). The current estimated population of mithun in India is approximately 3.86 lakh, as per the 2019 Livestock Census. Ninety per cent of them are found in Arunachal Pradesh. Unlike conventional livestock species, mithun thrives in hilly terrains and plays an essential role in maintaining the ecological balance of forested landscapes.

How is Mithun different from other bovine animals?

Mithun differs from other bovine species in multiple aspects, including its habitat, physiology, and rearing system. Unlike cattle, mithun is naturally adapted to the dense forests and hilly regions of Northeast India, where it thrives on tree leaves, shrubs, and other natural fodder, which supposedly causes lesser emission of methane. It has a strong and muscular build, making it well-suited to navigate rugged terrains. Additionally, mithun exhibits remarkable resistance to many diseases that commonly affect domesticated bovines. It has a well-developed immune system, which reduces the need for extensive veterinary interventions. Mithun is also known for its high feed conversion efficiency, meaning it can sustain itself with minimal external inputs while producing high-quality meat. They are exclusive meat-purpose bovines, unlike cattle and buffalo, which are primarily used for milk production. Our research has shown that mithun is more closely related to the gaur (Bos gaurus).

In 2023, FSSAI declared mithun as a food animal. Tell us what that means.

The Food Safety and Standards Act (FSS), 2006, is the primary law for the regulation of food products. The FSSAI officially recognising mithun as a food animal is a landmark decision that has far-reaching implications. This classification allows mithun meat to be legally processed, marketed, and consumed under the country’s food safety regulations. Further, mithun has also been included in the Domestic Animal Diversity Information System of FAO in 2023. Earlier, despite mithun’s high-quality meat being consumed traditionally in Northeast India, its trade and commercialisation were limited due to the lack of formal recognition. With this decision, mithun meat can now enter national and international markets, leading to structured meat production, enhanced quality control, and better price realisation for farmers. It also opens new opportunities for value addition, including processed mithun meat products, which can cater to the growing demand for healthy and organic meat options.

How is Mithun meat different from beef? How healthy is Mithun meat?

Beef is meat that originates from cattle. Mithun meat is traditionally known as Wishi in Nagaland. Mithun meat is nutritionally superior to conventional beef in several ways. It has a high protein content and a lower fat percentage, making it a leaner and healthier alternative. One of its most notable qualities is its favourable omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acid ratio, which is associated with cardiovascular health benefits. Additionally, mithun meat is rich in essential micronutrients, including iron, zinc, and vitamins, which contribute to overall well-being. The unique free-range rearing system of mithun further enhances the quality of its meat, as the animals graze on diverse plant species, leading to a more natural and wholesome nutritional profile. The tenderness and rich flavour of mithun meat make it a sought-after delicacy, particularly in traditional cuisines of Northeast India.

Please tell us about the business potential of mithun meat and other related products.

Mithun is universally accepted as a meat, and there are no religious taboos attached to it. The formal recognition of mithun as a food animal has unlocked significant business opportunities. With the rising demand for high-quality, organic, and lean meat, mithun meat has the potential to carve a niche in premium markets. Entrepreneurs can explore the processing, packaging, and branding of mithun meat to cater to health-conscious consumers. Additionally, mithun by-products such as hides can be utilised in the leather industry, while its dung has potential applications in organic farming as a natural fertiliser. The development of a structured mithun meat value chain, including cold storage facilities, processing units, and marketing networks, will enhance its commercial viability. Government initiatives and private sector investments can further boost mithun farming and processing, benefiting farmers and stakeholders in the supply chain.

Tell us about your centre (ICAR-NRCM), the work being done, and the success stories so far.

ICAR-NRCM on Mithun, located in Nagaland, is the only dedicated research institute in the world working exclusively on mithun. Our primary focus is on scientific research, breed improvement, conservation, and sustainable farming practices in all aspects of mithun production. Over the years, we have developed improved breeding techniques, optimised feeding strategies, and introduced better disease management protocols for mithun. Our efforts have led to significant advancements, including the promotion of semi-intensive mithun rearing systems, which allow farmers to combine traditional free-range grazing with supplementary feeding for enhanced productivity. Through our outreach programmes, thousands of farmers across the Northeast have adopted improved mithun farming practices, leading to increased incomes and better livestock management. Several success stories have emerged where small-scale farmers have transitioned into commercial mithun meat producers, demonstrating the economic potential of mithun farming. To date, the Centre has helped establish more than 100 semi-intensive units by providing required inputs such as barbed wire, angle iron posts, CGI sheets, tevis, etc. We also organise capacity-building programmes regularly to build the skills among mithun farmers.

Can Mithun be reared like goats or pigs outside the Northeast?

Mithun is naturally adapted to the hilly forest ecosystems of Northeast India, where it thrives on indigenous vegetation and requires minimal external inputs. However, there is potential to explore mithun farming in similar geographical regions outside the Northeast, particularly in areas with suitable climatic conditions and abundant fodder resources. Research is being conducted to assess mithun’s adaptability to different agro-climatic zones such as parts of Meghalaya, West Bengal, etc., and pilot projects can help determine the feasibility of expanding its farming to other states. Additionally, ICAR-NRCM is actively working with policymakers and local communities to promote structured mithun farming models that balance traditional knowledge with modern scientific approaches. Mithun definitely has good potential to be reared in the rest of India. We are getting calls from farmers in Rajasthan, Kerala, etc., demanding live mithun for rearing. Recently, we introduced mithun in Assam, Meghalaya, and West Bengal. A few mithun are being reared in Maharashtra and Gujarat too. We are working to propagate mithun in as many states as possible.

How is mithun rearing sustainable?

Mithun is more than just an animal; it is a vital part of the cultural, ecological, and economic fabric of Northeast India. Its sustainable rearing practices align with the principles of conservation and biodiversity preservation. With increasing interest in indigenous livestock and organic meat products, mithun has the potential to become a valuable asset in India’s livestock sector. Greater awareness, scientific interventions, and policy support can ensure the long-term conservation and commercialisation of this remarkable species. By promoting responsible mithun farming, we can enhance rural livelihoods, protect traditional knowledge, and contribute to the overall development of the region. As we move forward, collaborative efforts between research institutions, government bodies, and farmers will be crucial in realising the full potential of mithun as a sustainable and high-value livestock species. With increasing demand for naturally farmed products, mithun holds the potential to be marketed as a naturally farmed livestock species.

We are also trying to promote commercial mithun farming by focusing on both the milk and meat produced from mithun. However, government support in promoting the mithun sector is lacking. For example, mithun is not part of the Entrepreneurship Development Programme of the National Livestock Mission funded by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India.