The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has officially classified the Mithun, also known as the gayal (Bos frontalis), as a ‘food animal.’ Mithun, considered a descendant of the Indian Gaur or bison, holds significant cultural and socio-economic importance for tribes in Arunachal Pradesh. It is found in Northeast India, Bangladesh, northern Myanmar, and Yunnan, China, known as the ‘cattle of the mountain.’ This recognition has the potential to boost business opportunities and offer nutritional and financial security. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research has launched the M-ANITRA app to facilitate Mithun farmers’ transactions.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- Indian Gaur: The Indian Gaur is a large, wild bovine species native to South Asia. It is closely related to the Mithun and serves as its ancestor.
- Arunachal Pradesh: A state in Northeast India known for its rich biodiversity and diverse tribal cultures, including the Nyishi, Apatani, Galo, and Adi, who revere the Mithun.
- CITES (Appendix I): The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an international agreement aimed at ensuring that international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. Appendix I lists species threatened with extinction, subject to the strictest trade controls.
- FSSAI: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is a statutory body responsible for regulating and supervising food safety and standards in India, ensuring the safety of food products for consumers.
- M-ANITRA App: An app launched by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to facilitate transactions among Mithun farmers by registering them as both “buyers” and “sellers,” thereby enabling them to engage in business at competitive prices.
