Feather in the cap for Pony conservation
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 23 2019: ICAR's Breed Conservation Award 2019, has been conferred to HoD of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, CAU Imphal, Dr Th Ranadhir, during a Kishan Diwas programme which was organised at Indian Council of Agricultural Research - National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBAGR), Karnal, Haryana today, for his contribution in the conservation and protection of the endangered Manipuri pony.

The award was handed over to Dr Th Ranadhir by ICAR-NBAGR Director Dr RK Vij during the function.

Dr Th Ranadhir did his PhD in 2008 on 'Status and characterisation of Manipuri pony' and he has contributed immensely in ensuring the registration of the Manipuri pony at the National level.

Feather in the cap for Pony conservation - Dr Th Ranadhir

Under the guidance and initiative of VC of CAU Imphal, Professor M Premjit Singh, Dr Th Ranadhir started a mini pony farm at CAU Iroishemba campus with just 12 mares and within two years, the population at the farm climbed to 34 .

Apart from organising three State level pony shows, he has also participated in various training programmes and health camps.

He also developed 'Manipuri Pony Conservation and Development Policy' in collaboration with State Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department.

It may be mentioned that Manipur pony and 'Kaunayen' are included in the 185 registered breeds of livestock and poultry of the country.

The Kaunayen breed was registered by CAU Imphal as the 17th chicken breed of India as a recognition of the work and Dr Th Ranadhir was honoured with a registration certificate by ICAR, new Delhi, in 2016 .

He is also the recipient of Dr NS Shastry Award for the best livestock production management research work in North East India for the year 2015, instituted by the Indian Society of Animal Production and Management.