Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Monday launched the Pony Registration System (PRS) web portal and chaired the first meeting of the reconstituted Manipuri Pony Conservation and Development Board at the Chief Minister’s Office in Mantripukhri.
Developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), Manipur State Centre, in collaboration with the Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry, the portal aims to ensure the systematic registration and unique identification of Manipuri Ponies.
The digital platform will create a comprehensive database containing ownership details and other relevant information to facilitate population monitoring, traceability and scientific conservation planning for the indigenous breed, which holds significant cultural and historical importance in Manipur.
During the Board meeting, Director of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Services Dr L Arunkumar Singh briefed members on the Manipuri Pony Conservation and Development Policy, 2016, highlighting its framework and the department’s initiatives to conserve and develop the breed.
The meeting deliberated on several measures to strengthen conservation efforts, including identifying and protecting grazing grounds, making registration and digital record-keeping compulsory, improving interdepartmental coordination and increasing incentives for pony owners.
Other proposals included establishing a dedicated equine hospital alongside a National Research Centre on Equine in the state, introducing a genetics-based scientific breeding programme and incorporating the Manipuri Pony into the school curriculum.
The Chief Minister directed the concerned department to review the existing Manipuri Pony Conservation and Development Policy, 2016, at the earliest to strengthen the policy framework and improve the effectiveness of conservation efforts.
The state government reiterated its commitment to the conservation and sustainable development of the Manipuri Pony through scientific management, stakeholder participation and coordination among departments.
Chief Secretary Rajeev Singh Thakur, IGP Themthing Ngashangva, Commissioner of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry T Panmei, Secretary of Land Resources Th Kirankumar, Secretary of Arts and Culture Dr Rangitabali Waikhom, Secretary of Tourism Namoijam Kheda Varta Singh, and heads of various departments and other officials attended the launch.
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