Guwahati: Four livestock breeds from Northeast India — Nagami Mithun of Nagaland, Rajdigheli geese and Nagi duck from Assam, and Manipuri duck from Manipur — have been officially recognised and registered by the ICAR–National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR), Karnal, marking a significant boost for the region’s indigenous animal biodiversity.
The registration places the four breeds on India’s national livestock genetic map, enabling stronger conservation planning, scientific improvement, and livelihood opportunities for farming communities across the Northeast.
Among the four, Nagami Mithun stands out globally — becoming the world’s first officially recognised Mithun breed, following intensive genetic and phenotypic studies by the ICAR–National Research Centre on Mithun (NRCM), Medziphema.
Nagami Mithun: A first for the world
Nagami Mithun is distributed across 13 districts of Nagaland and is characterised by a strong and muscular frame, a predominantly black body coat, and distinctive white stockings. Males weigh between 470–500 kg, with females recorded to produce up to 193 litres of milk over a 300-day lactation period.
Used mainly for meat and ceremonial slaughter, the breed holds deep cultural, spiritual, and economic value among Naga tribes. Its population is estimated at around 23,000 animals.
The application for registration was submitted by ICAR–NRC on Mithun under the leadership of Director Dr. Girish Patil S., with breed characterisation studies led by scientist Dr. Harshit Kumar.
Calling the achievement historic, ICAR–NRCM said the recognition unlocks new opportunities for scientific conservation, genetic improvement, and sustainable livelihood development — giving Mithun a defined identity in global livestock records for the first time.
Manipuri duck: Valley wetland breed gains identity
The Manipuri duck, widely reared across Imphal Valley and hill districts, has been recognised for its strong egg-laying ability and adaptation to wetland ecosystems.
The breed possesses light to dark brown speckled plumage, while drakes carry glossy green heads and greyish wings. It is reared for both meat and eggs, producing an average of 130 eggs over 6–7 months. Adult males weigh between 1.8 and 2.4 kg.
With an estimated population of 17.8 lakh birds, the registration is expected to support improved production systems and create new opportunities for rural poultry farmers.
Nagi duck: Assam’s black-plumage identity
Assam’s newly recognised Nagi duck, native to Cachar, Karimganj, and Hailakandi districts, is a dual-purpose bird reared for both meat and eggs.
The medium-sized breed displays a distinct black plumage with a white breast patch, cylindrical body structure, and shanks tinted light grey-orange. It produces between 150 and 180 eggs annually, with a unique greenish-blue shell pigmentation.
Adult males range from 1.5 to 1.7 kg, and the estimated population stands at 68,000.
Rajdigheli geese: Assam’s heavy-bodied breed recognised
Also from Assam, Rajdigheli geese — locally known as Rajhanh — have been registered as a distinct breed. Found across all districts of the state, the geese are reared for meat, eggs, and ornamental and religious purposes.
The breed displays white and cinnamon plumage varieties, with orange-yellow bills, shanks, and feet. Adult body weights average 3.9 kg in males and 3.6 kg in females. They produce around 19 eggs per year, each weighing roughly 116 grams.
Rajdigheli is considered a heavier goose breed with an estimated population of three lakh.
A milestone moment for Northeast livestock heritage
With the latest approvals, the Northeast strengthens its position as a centre of livestock diversity, adding four documented breeds of high cultural, economic, and scientific value to India’s growing national registry.
For farming and tribal communities across Assam, Nagaland, and Manipur, the recognition is expected to enhance breed visibility, drive conservation funding, and improve market value — while preserving genetic resources rooted in traditional rearing systems.