Despite their importance, the population of Manipuri Pony has declined drastically over the years, however the state government is beginning to take up initiatives to conserve Pony.
Following the initiative of the government by allotting 30 acres of grassy field to conserve the endangered Manipuri Pony, a consultative meeting on ‘Status on sustainable and preservation of Manipuri Pony’ was conducted to ensure proper conservation of Manipuri Pony.
The one day consultative meeting was held at Farmer’s Training Hall, Veterinary Complex, Sanjenthong by the Directorate of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Services, Manipur, in association with Manipuri Pony Society.
Addressing the gathering, president of Manipuri Pony Society Ch Priyoranjan said that the joint meeting is to revisit and reaccess how far Manipuri Pony policy has been implemented, where the loopholes are, which part needs to develop so that Manipuri Pony can be conserved properly.
The state government has identified 30 acres of grassy ground for grazing, for Pony reserve area and will also identify polo ground at district level so that famous Polo can be brought back to Manipur, he said.
With regards to the population of Manipuri Pony, he said that according to the 2019 census, there are 1087 Ponies.
“We do not use Pony for commercial purposes but solely for ritual and sports, particularly polo”, said Priyoranjan.
“Proper conservation of Pony depends on the people, not the government. By tradition, Pony grazes in the open and there is no stock grazing shelter for Pony”, said Priyoranjan.
The programme was attended by Veterinary and Animal Husbandry director, RK Khogendrajit, Manipur Equestrian Association, chairman N Bedajeet.
The Manipur government declared Manipuri Pony as an endangered breed in 2013 and in 2016, Manipuri Pony Conservation and Development Policy was framed in order to conserve Manipuri Pony.
