Commoditisation and Sustainable Management of Mithun (Bos Frontalis) In Arunachal Pradesh, North-East India

Abstract

Endemic to North-East India's jungles, the Mithun (Bos frontalis) is a rare bovine species. According to the 2003 livestock census, Mithun population in India is 0.28 million out of which the highest number of 1,92,000 Mithuns have been recorded in Arunachal Pradesh followed by 40,000 in Nagaland, 20,000 in Manipur and 2,000 in Mizoram. Deeply rooted in the mythology and being an integral part of cultural life especially among the Tani Groups viz. Adi, Apatani, Galo, Nyishi and Tagin, Mithun is not only considered as one of the most important cultural resources of these tribes but also the pride of Arunachal Pradesh. Due to its inherent socio-cultural and economic dynamism, Mithun plays a multidimensional role in the tribal society of the state. The wealth of a person is often gauged by the number of Mithuns he possesses and thus determines his/her social status. The Mithun is regarded as a symbol of prestige and was traditionally used as a medium of exchange (which is still a common practice among the people residing in villages), a means to settling disputes, and as the bride price. They also provide calories and protein, and are essential part of community feasts especially during festivals and other important social occasions. Besides, Mithun is also considered as a social security during any kind of emergency in health and other household related problems etc. Yet, Mithuns are a semi domesticated animal and reared under free grazing condition. However, over the last many years uses of Mithuns in Arunachal Pradesh are largely found to be commercial than cultural. Today, Mithun's meats are available in the market at Rs 300 per kg. In fact, some of the tribal families are surviving and educating their children by selling Mithuns/ meat. Further, due to limitless killing of Mithun during election and marriage ceremony, Mithun population are reducing drastically. Thus, Mithuns are found to have losing its mythological and cultural importance, in that the glory and values of Mithuns have fallen from cultural to commodity/commercial. Since, this species is considered as vulnerable to extinction, proper research and in-depth study is very much required for the sustainable management of Mithun. Thus, in the present study an attempt has been made to discuss the various socio-cultural and economic dynamics of Mithun responsible for commoditisation of Mithuns in Arunachal Pradesh as well as to formulate strategy to address the problems for sustainable management of Mithun.