The ICAR–National Research Centre on Mithun (NRCM), Medziphema, has created history with the successful registration of ‘Nagami’ as the world’s first recognized Mithun (Bos frontalis) breed with the ICAR–National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR), Karnal, following years of rigorous scientific research, documentation, and validation.
The application for breed registration was submitted by ICAR–NRC on Mithun, Medziphema, under the leadership of Dr Girish Patil S, Director, ICAR–NRC Mithun, while the breed characterization project was led by Dr Harshit Kumar, Scientist, ICAR–NRC Mithun.
Mithun, the State animal of Nagaland, holds immense socio-cultural, economic, and traditional significance among Naga tribal communities. Despite its central role in indigenous livelihoods and customs, Mithun populations had long remained uncharacterized at the breed level, limiting scientific conservation efforts, genetic improvement, and policy-driven support.
To address this gap, ICAR–NRC on Mithun undertook comprehensive breed characterization studies to establish a clear and scientifically validated identity for Mithun populations of Nagaland. The outcome of these sustained efforts is the formal recognition of Nagami Mithun, distinguished by its predominantly black coat with characteristic white stockings, strong and compact body conformation, exceptional adaptability to forest-based hill ecosystems, and deep cultural significance among Naga tribes.
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Molecular and genetic analyses conducted as part of the registration process confirmed the distinct genetic identity of Nagami Mithun, clearly differentiating it from other Mithun populations across the North-Eastern region.
Nagami Mithun is widely distributed across several districts of Nagaland and is traditionally reared under free-range, community-managed forest grazing systems. The breed has evolved naturally under the State’s diverse agro-climatic and forest conditions, contributing to its resilience, adaptability, and sustainable production potential.
Describing the achievement as a Christmas gift to the people of Nagaland, ICAR–NRC on Mithun, Medziphema acknowledged the State’s rich livestock heritage and the invaluable role played by Mithun-rearing communities in conserving this unique animal genetic resource.
The recognition of Nagami as a registered breed is expected to pave the way for targeted conservation strategies, scientific breeding programmes, enhanced livelihood opportunities for farmers, and the sustainable development of Mithun production systems in Nagaland.
Notably, Mithun was earlier recognized as a food animal by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in 2023 and, in the same year, was included in the Domestic Animal Diversity Information System of the FAO, Rome, further strengthening its global recognition.
