MYANMAR could soon be beefing up its food exports. With government support, breeders are increasing national stocks of the semi-domesticated mythum cattle, renowned for its tender meat.

“Mythum is attractive to importers from other countries, particularly in Europe,” said Dr Aung Gyi, deputy director general of the Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department. The animals would be exported live.

Dr Aung Gyi continued: “In 2004, there were only 30,000 mythum. The government issued a directive to promote mythum breeding up to the level of 100,000, and the current number is now more than 50,000. Because of this increase an import-export permit looks likely.”

Breeders have already repaid a K100 million government loan for an initial three-year program. Now the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries has lent another K150 million for the period 2007-2008.

Mythum can be found in the high forests of Chin State, Kachin State and Sagaing Division, browsing on shrubs, bushes and leaves. Their normal habitat is above 1000 metres. Chin people value the mythum’s meat and enjoy it on festival occasions. It features in the dowry of marriageable young women.

“We can see 50,000 mythum and 7000 breeders in Chin State, and 5000 mythum in Kachin State. In Kengtung, some breeders took 20 mythum in 2004 for test breeding, and now there are 100 animals. The mythum’s growth rate is faster than that of normal cows, so they can be brought to market at the age of 18 months,” said Dr Aung Gyi.