Imphal, Oct 13: The Manipur government has launched the Pony Registration System (PRS), a web portal aimed at providing a unique digital identity to every registered Manipuri Pony.
Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh launched the portal on Monday while chairing the first meeting of the reconstituted Manipuri Pony Conservation and Development Board in Imphal.
Chief Secretary Rajeev Singh Thakur, IGP Themthing Ngashangva, senior officers of various departments and representatives of the Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association, Manipur Pony Society and Manipur Equestrian Association attended the launch.
Developed by the National Informatics Centre, Manipur State Centre, in collaboration with the Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry, the PRS aims to ensure the systematic registration and unique identification of Manipuri Ponies.
The portal will create a comprehensive digital database containing ownership details and other relevant particulars to facilitate population monitoring, traceability and scientific conservation planning for the indigenous breed, which holds cultural and historical significance for Manipur.
During the meeting, Director of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Services Dr L Arunkumar Singh briefed the Board on the Manipuri Pony Conservation and Development Policy, 2016, highlighting its framework and measures undertaken by the department to conserve and develop the breed.
The meeting discussed measures to strengthen pony conservation, including the identification and protection of grazing grounds, compulsory registration and digital record-keeping, improved interdepartmental coordination, enhanced incentives for pony owners, and the establishment of a dedicated equine hospital alongside a National Research Centre on Equine in the State. Other proposals included a genetics-based scientific breeding programme and the inclusion of the Manipuri Pony in the school curriculum.
Chief Minister Khemchand advised the concerned department to review the existing Manipuri Pony Conservation and Development Policy, 2016, at the earliest to strengthen the policy framework and make conservation efforts more effective.
In a subsequent post on social media, he wrote, “The meeting deliberated on the Manipur Pony Conservation and Development Policy, 2016 and discussed various important agendas concerning the conservation and development of the Manipuri Pony.”
The State government reiterated its commitment to the conservation and sustainable development of the Manipuri Pony through scientific management, stakeholder participation and coordinated efforts among concerned departments.