National workshop on Pony conservation organised
Already exerted pressure to PM for conservation of pony: MoS Dr Ranjan
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, October 06 2022:
Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal and Directorate of Research under ICAR National Research Centre on Equines, Hisar organised a national workshop on 'Manipuri Pony Conservation & Sustain able Management: Emerging Issues & Challenges' at CAU College of Agriculture auditorium, Iroisemba on Thursday.
The workshop was attended by Union minister of state (MoS) for external affairs & education Dr RK Ranjan as chief guest and CAU vice chancellor Dr Anupam Mishra as president while Veterinary & Animal Husbandry minister Khasim Vashum, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi deputy director general (Animal Science) Dr Umesh Chandra Sharma, ICAR-National Research Centre on Equines, Hisar director Dr Yas Pal, Veterinary & Animal Husbandry director Ng Ibotombi Singh, RSS Akhil Bharatiya Karyakarini Mandal Sadasya Bhagaiah, CAU Imphal director of research Dr S Basanta were present as guests of honour.
Attending the workshop through video conference, Dr Ranjan said consequent to report that the number of Manipuri pony in the state has decreased to only 500, a proposal for conservation of Pony was sent to the Prime Minister by him on January 14, 2021 .
Noting that pony population declined due to urbanisation and deforestation among other factors, he stressed the need for implementing Manipuri Pony Conservation and Development Policy, 2016 .
Inclusion of lessons about pony in school syllabus to ensure that younger gener-ations know about it is vital, he continued, while stating that rejuvenating pony grazing fields in every district is needed.
Dr Rk Ranjan further urged the people to join hands in preservation and conservation of pony.
In the technical session, resource persons spoke on several topics including 'Scientific paper presentation', 'General & policy paper presentation', 'Group workshop on the current pony issues' and 'Conservation and development of indigenous livestock & poultry genetic-resources of Manipur state'.
A souvenir was also released as a part of the programme.