Workshops on characterization of Kaunayen held
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 22 2014 :
The National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal, in association with the Dept of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, CAU, Imphal organized workshops on characterization of Kaunayen, an indigenous fowl of Manipur at Kiyam Siphai and Wangjing Bazar in Thoubal district on Nov 20 and at Sana Janmasthan Club, Keishamthong, Moirangningthou Leirak on Nov 21 .
The workshops were organized as part of an inter departmental collaboration project titled "Characterization of Kaunayen/Kwakman/Koman -an indigenous fowl of Manipur," according to a statement.
Dr PK Vij and Dr M Tantia, Principal Scientist, NBAGR, Karnal informed that the indigenous fowl of Manipur, locally known as Kaunayen/Kwakman/Koman is not included among the list of sixteen recognized breeds of chicken of India.
They further informed that the chicken population seems to have unique traits such as alertness, endurance and are highly spirited in nature particularly.
However, as no research work was conducted to reveal that the population found in Manipur is different from other population distributed in other States of the country, the population is not yet given recognition as a chicken breed.
Dr Th Ranadhir Singh, Associate Professor, Dept of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, CAU, Imphal, who is also the Co- Principal Investigator of the ongoing project stated that the population of this indigenous fowl is distributed in almost all the localities of valley areas and reared with lot of enthusiasm by people belonging to different sections of the society.
The breed is particularly well known for its fighting qualities.
In addition, being a local bird, it has contributed a lot in providing income to the bird keepers, apart from ensuring nutritional security through providing eggs and meat to the people of the State, thereby immensely contributing to the economy of the farming family.
However, as no authentic research work was carried out in the past, the population is not yet given recognition by the Government of India.
In view of its importance, the three workshops were organised.
More than 150 bird keepers attended the workshops, the statement said.