[ Bengia Ajum ]
JOMLO MONGKU, 14 May: The announcement by Chief Minister Pema Khandu on social media about Mithun (Bos frontalis) churpi has sparked widespread interest. Behind this innovative idea is Tadang Tamut, a progressive farmer from Jomlo Mongku in Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh. Tamut, who believes in the immense potential of Mithun farming, envisions Mithun churpi as a commercially viable product in the long run. Mithun churpi is a traditional hard cheese made from Mithun milk.
Tamut began experimenting with Mithun churpi in early 2024. Despite facing several initial setbacks, he persevered and successfully produced the world’s first Mithun churpi this year. His efforts were supported by the ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun (ICAR-NRCM), Medzi-phema, Nagaland, and the ICAR-National Research Centre on Yak, Dirang, both of which have extensive experience in Yak churpi production.
“Ninety percent of the world’s Mithun population is found in Arunachal Pradesh, but we are not benefiting commercially. Farmers sell them only during emergencies. This is when the idea of Mithun churpi, to tap its commercial potential, was born,” shares Tadang Tamut. He cites examples from Sikkim and Nepal, where the churpi business is thriving and supporting farmers economically.
Under the banner of the Jomlo Mongku Mithun Farmers’ Federation (JMMFF), 14 villages in Siang district are now engaged in semi-intensive Mithun farming. “So far, we have provided barbed wire and other basic support to six villages. When Mithuns are brought home after giving birth to a calf, they are milked to produce churpi. We have managed to milk only 20% of Mithuns so far for churpi production,” said Tamut. He added that the absence of a dedicated Mithun dairy is a significant obstacle. “We are still in the early stages and have a long way to go before Mithun churpi can become a large-scale commercial product. We need government support in this regard,” he emphasized.
Mithun churpi was formally introduced during the Mithun Mela-cum-Technology Injection Programme held at Dem village in Keyi Panyor district in March this year. Tamut also mentioned that through JMMFF, he aims to raise awareness and create more opportunities for Mithun farmers. “Our federation’s activities have led to better coordination among farmers, improved access to institutional support, and greater awareness about modern Mithun husbandry,” he said.
He also highlighted several areas that need focus to make Mithun farming commercially viable. “We have to scale up the production and branding of Mithun churpi, develop a Mithun-based dairy cooperative model, and explore export markets for niche dairy products. Strengthening veterinary support and AI services is also crucial,” said Tamut.