ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen (retd) K T Parnaik on Sunday stressed the urgent need for policy and institutional support to save the state’s state animal mithun from extinction in the wake of its declining population.Addressing the second edition of ‘Mithun Diwas’ and the inaugural session of the national seminar on ‘Integrated Mithun Husbandry for Augmenting Farmers’ Income in Northeast’, Parnaik said the animal has not received adequate support, possibly due to its low population and local presence.
“Lack of support has led to exploitation and destruction of habitats, posing a serious threat to their already dwindling numbers,” Parnaik said. He emphasised that traditional practices should be integrated with modern conservation techniques in Mithun conservation efforts. The governor proposed to formulate a ‘special land use policy’ and reserve areas for Mithun conservation. He suggested that community Mithun rearing centres should be set up at strategic locations between clusters of two-three villages.
He also recommended intensive discussions with scientists, farmers and officials to create a pilot project for Mithun research and development, with focus on developing best practices to benefit Mithun farmers. Parnaik said Arunachal Pradesh has the highest number of Mithun among the northeastern states, accounting for 89 per cent of the global number.
He expressed pride in the farmers and people of the State for rearing this unique animal. The Governor described Mithun as a symbol of peace and communal harmony, often mentioned in tribal mythology and folklore. Parnaik suggested forming co-operative societies for Mithun milk and its products and setting up tanneries with modern equipment to utilise the leather and skins which are often thrown away after slaughter. These products could include high-quality coats, mats and shoes for export, he said.
