Imphal: Union Minister for Panchayati Raj and Animal Husbandry Rajiv Ranjan Singh pledged continued federal support to save the Manipuri Pony. The breed faces extinction. This promise came in a written reply to former Rajya Sabha MP Ningthou Leishemba Sanajaoba, who pushed for protection measures during a March 17 parliamentary session.
Officials follow the Manipuri Pony Conservation and Development Policy of 2016. The State Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department keeps track of the animals by registering owners and clubs. They deployed 2,000 RFID microchips and 10 scanners to log the population. An online Pony Registration System tracks unique breed data. The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying also built a Pony Complex at Heingang in Imphal East.
Money talks. The government distributed 29.99 lakh rupees to 86 owners during the 2025-26 fiscal year to cover feeding and medical bills. Surveys identified new grazing grounds across Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Thoubal, and Kakching districts. The department hosts regular health camps and awareness programs with local stakeholders to improve animal management.
Authorities are cracking down on crime. Police are fighting back against poaching and illegal trade. "The Centre said it would continue implementing various programmes and extending technical assistance to support the conservation of the Manipuri Pony and prevent the indigenous breed from becoming extinct." Lamphel Police Station has already logged FIRs regarding the theft and illegal slaughter of these animals.
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