Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 19 2022: Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Imphal and Directorate of Research, Central Agricultural University jointly organised a one-day off-campus training programme on 'Scientific Pony Rearing' at All Manipur Polo Association office, Iroisemba on Sunday.

Former director of Manipur Science & Technology Council (MASTEC) Th Surendranath, Principal investigator and head of Department of Animal Sciences Dr Th Ranadhir and All Manipur Polo Association advisor M Khelendro attended the training programme as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Ranadhir informed that the programme was organised under an NRCE-sponsored project entitled 'Conservation of Manipuri Pony' to create awareness among the new generation of pony owners and polo players on scientific aspects of housing, feeding, breeding and health care of ponies so that the small population of Manipuri Pony may be managed in sustainable way.

Surendranath stressed the need to utilise pony in a purposeful way, apart from Polo game, so as to enable economic sustenance and maintenance support to the pony owners.

Khelendro narrated the pa -thetic condition of pony rearing in the state and emphasised on the need to take up appropriate actions to save this rare horse species.

In the technical session, Dr K Rashbihari spoke on the topic 'Prevention and Control of Pony Diseases'; Dr M Norjit on "Shelter and Feeding Requirements of Ponies in their Natural Habitat'; and Dr Th Ranadhir on 'Manipur Pony Conservation and Development Policy' and ' Selection and Breeding of Pony for Sustainable Production' as resource persons.

Around 38 Pony owners and players participated in the training programme.