Horse riding school in state soon: Khashim
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 25 2024: Veterinary and animal husbandry minister Khashim Vashum said that a horse riding school for the state will be established as part of preservation and promotion of pony and steps for the same will be taken up very soon.

The minister disclosed this during the launch of 21st Livestock census operation as well as survey by monitoring and evaluation cell of the National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP).

He also said that National Dairy Development Board (NDB) has sanctioned Rs 80 lakh for improving the dairy sector and help farmers of the state.

Addressing the gathering at the launch event, minister Khashim said as pony is a very important animal of the state, the veterinary department will establish a horse riding school as part of preservation and promotion of the animal.

The department is planning to open a grievance cell for animal lovers and project for preservation of 'Meitei San', the rare cow of Manipur.

He also appealed to farmers to join livestock insurance so that losses from animal prone seasonal diseases could be lessened.

Regarding the 21st Livestock census operation, director (Vety & animal husbandry) Dr RK Khogendrajit said the nationwide livestock census will be conducted for four months and it will cover houses, zoos, institutions and animals loitering on roads.

For the state, the livestock census among other animals will also be carried out for pony, black pig, game-fowl (Kaona Yen) and buffalo, he said adding that the real time census will help in collection of data and enact policies for animals.

While informing that the department is planning to take up various programmes to increase milk production in the state, Dr Khogendrajit said the department has enough stock of sex sorted semen and farmers could procure the semen at free of cost for producing female cow.

Secretary (Vety & animal husbandry) Maikel Angom, who also attended the launch event, appealed to the people to extend cooperation to census officials as the operation will not be successful without involvement of the people.

He also appealed farmers to avail benefits from Animal Entrepreneurship Development Programme, which provides 50 percent subsidy from the government in rearing animal.

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