Union Minister for Panchayati Raj and Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh has assured that the Central Government will continue to provide all necessary assistance to the Manipur Government for the conservation and development of the Manipuri Pony, a unique indigenous breed facing the threat of extinction.
The assurance was conveyed in a written reply to former Rajya Sabha MP Ningthou Leishemba Sanajaoba in response to a Special Mention raised by him in Parliament on March 17 this year. Sanajaoba had urged the Government of India to take measures for the conservation of the Manipuri Pony and protect the breed from disappearing from the world.
In his reply, the Union Minister stated that the Centre would continue extending all necessary support to the State Government for the conservation and development of the Manipuri Pony. He said various measures were being implemented in coordination with the Manipur Government in accordance with the Manipuri Pony Conservation and Development Policy, 2016.
As part of the conservation efforts, the State Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department has undertaken registration of Manipuri Ponies and their owners or clubs. A total of 2,000 RFID microchips and 10 RFID scanners/readers have been used to identify ponies and facilitate their registration. The Pony Registration System (PRS) software has also been introduced to maintain unique data of the breed through an online system.
On breeding and conservation, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying has established a Pony Complex at Heingang in Imphal East district as part of the breeding strategy.
The Union Minister further stated that the State Government has implemented financial assistance schemes for pony owners to help meet expenses related to feeding and treatment of ponies. During the financial year 2025-26, financial assistance amounting to Rs 29.99 lakh was provided to 86 pony owners.
Surveys have also been conducted to identify suitable grazing grounds in Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Thoubal and Kakching districts, with the objective of securing adequate grazing areas for the ponies.
The State Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department has been organising regular health camps and undertaking other measures for the welfare and conservation of the breed. Awareness programmes are also being conducted in consultation with pony stakeholders, clubs and owners to prevent the breed from declining further and to promote proper care and management.
The government has also initiated action against the theft of Manipuri Ponies and illegal activities such as slaughtering and sale of the animals. FIRs relating to such offences have been registered at Lamphel Police Station.
The Centre said it would continue implementing various programmes and extending technical assistance to support the conservation of the Manipuri Pony and prevent the indigenous breed from becoming extinct.
The issue had earlier been raised in Parliament on March 17 through a Special Mention by Ningthou Leishemba Sanajaoba, who urged the Union Government to take concrete measures for the protection and revival of the Manipuri Pony.