Chungraung- Mithun Cattle hybrid: A boon for Mishmi Tribes of Arunachal Pradesh

Abstract

Species hybridization between Mithun and cattle is a form of out-breeding, to produce new offspring called locally Chungrung by Digaru Mishmi, is a natural paradigmatic shift towards positive development of new breeds (Chungrung), thereby improving the low face value animal (cattle) to high face value animal (Chungrung), without much human manipulation against the desire of Animal. However, there is a dilution in pure germplasm of both the species. Nevertheless, Species hybridization is a boon for Mishmi society, because as per traditionally and customary law and practices, Chungrung worth and value are used at par with Mithun in Mishmi society, like two different facet of same coin, thereby improving the socio-economic status of person. Where Mithun price is sky, rocking costing around Rs 60,000 – 80,000 per adult Mithun, in counterpart adult cattle cost around 15,000 – 20,000 only. Consequently Mithun and Chungrung is consider as most blessed animal for livelihood sustenance in many different dimension be it in social, culture or religious aspect of Mishmi society in Arunachal Pradesh