Northeast India's Indigenous Livestock Heritage Gets Major Boost: Four Breeds Officially Registered by ICAR-NBAGR

In a landmark achievement for animal genetic diversity, four unique livestock breeds from NortheastIndia have received official recognition from the ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR) in Karnal. The newly registered breeds include the Nagami Mithun from Nagaland, Rajdigheli geese and Nagi duck from Assam, and Manipuri duck from Manipur.

This registration integrates these breeds into India's national livestock registry, paving the way for enhanced conservation efforts, scientific breeding programs, and improved economic prospects for local farming communities in the region.

Nagami Mithun: World's First Registered Mithun Breed

The Nagami Mithun has made history as the first Mithun breed globally to earn official recognition, thanks to detailed genetic and physical studies conducted by the ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun (NRCM) in Medziphema.

Found across 13 districts in Nagaland, this robust breed features a muscular build, primarily black coat with white markings on the legs, and an estimated population of about 23,000. Adult males typically weigh 470-500 kg, while females can yield up to 193 liters of milk during a 300-day lactation cycle.

Deeply embedded in Naga culture, the Mithun is prized for meat, ceremonial uses, and socioeconomic significance. The registration, spearheaded by NRCM Director Dr. Girish Patil S. and scientist Dr. Harshit Kumar, is hailed as a milestone that will facilitate global identification, sustainable development, and genetic preservation.

Manipuri Duck: Wetland-Adapted Egg Layer from Manipur

The Manipuri duck, commonly raised in Imphal Valley and surrounding hill areas, has gained formal status for its excellent egg production and resilience in wetland environments.

Characterised by speckled light-to-dark brown feathers in females and glossy green heads with grey wings in males, these dual-purpose birds (for meat and eggs) lay around 130 eggs in 6-7 months. Males weigh 1.8-2.4 kg, with a thriving population of approximately 17.8 lakh. The recognition is set to bolster rural poultry farming and production efficiency.

Nagi Duck: Assam's Distinctive Black-Feathered Breed

Native to Assam's Cachar, Karimganj, and Hailakandi districts, the Nagi duck is now officially acknowledged as a medium-sized, dual-purpose variety.

It stands out with solid black plumage accented by a white chest patch, a cylindrical body, and light grey-orange legs. Known for producing 150-180 greenish-blue shelled eggs per year, adult males weigh 1.5-1.7 kg. With around 68,000 birds, this registration will aid in targeted conservation and market growth.

Rajdigheli Geese: Assam's Versatile Heavy Breed

Also from Assam, the Rajdigheli geese—locally called Rajhanh—are recognized for their widespread presence across the state and multipurpose utility in meat, eggs, ornamentation, and rituals.

Available in white and cinnamon color variants, with bright orange-yellow bills, legs, and feet, these heavier geese average 3.9 kg (males) and 3.6 kg (females), laying about 19 eggs annually (each around 116 grams). The breed's population is estimated at three lakh.