Chief minister says govt determined to protect rare Manipuri pony

IMPHAL | Nov 7

Reaffirming State Government’s determination and efforts to preserve and protect the endangered ‘Manipuri Pony’ breed, Chief Minister chaired the first meeting of the Manipuri Pony Development Board held at Chief Minister’s Secretariat today.

 The meeting thoroughly discussed the issues regarding the rehabilitation, long term sustainability to preserve and conserve the Manipuri Pony. During the meeting, Chief Minister Shri N. Biren Singh said that there is a need to develop more habitation area in various areas so that we could breed and increase the population of the Pony in the State. A breeding farm would be developed and maintained by the State Government so that the rare and precious gene of Manipuri Pony breed is not diluted at any cost.

Stating that Polo game plays an important role in protecting the state’s rare breed of ponies from extinction, Chief Minister opined that we should develop Polo fields and grounds in rural areas of the State too and grazing fields will be identified soon.

Discussing about the stray ponies in the street, the meeting unanimously decided that every Pony owner of the State needs to register their Ponies to the Government. Owners would be given some incentives for maintenance and care of the Pony. If the owners fail to register their ponies on time then necessary action will be taken up and the Ponies will be auction in public. The meeting also discussed about the procurement of dry fodder like straw etc in the post harvest period and to maintain fodder storage for the Ponies.

It may be mentioned that ‘Manipuri Ponies’ are among the seven recognised breeds of horses found in India.

Minister for Agriculture and Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Shri V. Hangkhanlian, Parliamentary Secretary (Agriculture) Shri Awangbow Newmai, Principal Secretary Shri Vineet Joshi, IGP Dr. S. Ibocha, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Shri K Angami, Commissioner (Revenue) Shri Th. Chittaranjan Singh, Director (Veterinary), members of Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association and officials of various departments attended the function.