The number of gayal breeders has dropped significantly in Chin State, according to the gayal breeders in Tiddim Township.
The gayal from Chin hill ranges which can also be called the symbol of Chin State is highly valuable and used in social events and celebrations.
It belongs to the same species ( Gavarus) of bisons and bantengs. They are not like cows but with hanging necks and hairs that have grown long enough to reach their ankles. Most of them are found grey black and white gayals are also found in bright colours.
“In Chin hills, the number of gayal breeders has declined year by year. So, we need some support such as necessary aid for the gayal breeders. The gayals graze and the pastures of the gayals are deteriorating from year to year. There is also another reason for the declining number of breeders: some are changing their family businesses while some are moving out to other regions,” said U Chan Pi, a gayal breeder from Nae Arr Lwe village in Tiddim township.
“Most of the regions in Chin state are breeding gayals on a manageable scale. Then, they are selling a three-year-old gayal for K 300,000 and a six-year- old gayal for K 700,000 in the open season. With the declining number of gayal breeders, there could be only ten thousands of gayals in the Chin mountain ranges. Therefore, the relevant authorities should provide the capital, protection against extinction and medical assistance for the breeders to increase the number of gayals,” said a gayal breeder from Chin State. “Live gayals are bought from Shan state. They are demanded also from Mizoram State, India. People from Kale, Monywa and Mandalay are also purchasing fresh and dried gayal meat. The gayal meat is used as the main dish in wedding, funerals and religious festivals in China mountain ranges,” said a local resident from Tiddim.
Although the wealth in Chin State is measured by the number of gayals, owning houses and land ownership earlier, now, they only focus on possession of gold and silver. This is another reason why the number of gayal breeders is decreasing.—Zohayzar
