News Excerpt:
The Government of Manipur has recently collaborated with various organisations and associations to prevent the disappearance of the Manipuri Pony, also known as Meitei Sagol.
More in the news: Recently a joint meeting involving the Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association, Manipur Equestrian Association, Manipuri Pony Society, and government officials was convened in Imphal on May 16.
About Metei Sagol:
- Meitei Sagol: The Meitei Sagol is one of the 7 recognised horse and pony breeds of India. The Manipuri Pony is known for its unique stamina, agility, intelligence, speed, manoeuvrability and great adaptability to harsh geoclimatic conditions. The breed is regarded as the original polo pony as modern polo is derived from the traditional Sagol Kangjei sport of Manipur.
- Historical significance: Besides traditional events like Lai haraoba and being used in sports like polo and horseraces, they were also utilised as mounts by cavalry of the Manipur Kingdom which was feared throughout upper Burma during the 17th century.
- Need for Preservation: The population of the Manipuri Pony, despite its high value, has been dwindling rapidly. According to the 17th Quinquennial Livestock Census in 2003, there were 1,898 ponies, which decreased to 1,101 in the 19th Quinquennial Livestock Census in 2012. Subsequently, the number further declined to 1,089 in the latest livestock census conducted in 2019.
- Manipuri Pony Conservation and Development Policy (MPCDP): The Manipuri Pony Conservation and Development Policy (MPCDP) was formulated in 2016 to safeguard the Manipuri Pony, which is among the seven recognized horse and pony breeds in India. Alongside the Manipuri Pony, the Marwari Horse, Kathiawari Horse, Zanskari Pony, Spiti Pony, Bhutia Pony, and Kachhi-Sindhi Horse are also recognized.
Issues faced by the species:
- According to the Manipuri Pony Conservation and Development Policy (MPCDP), following factors are contributing to the decline of the pony in the state:
- Shrinkage of wetlands, the natural habitat of the Manipuri Pony, due to rapid urbanisation and encroachment.
- Lack of polo grounds and playing areas in rural Manipur.
- Restriction of pony usage to only the game of polo.
- Uncontrolled diseases affecting the ponies.
- Exodus of ponies to neighbouring states and countries.
Steps taken to address the issue:
- The Manipur government declared the Manipuri Pony as an Endangered Breed in 2013.
- The Manipuri Pony Conservation and Development Policy (MPCDP) was framed in 2016, in order to conserve the Manipuri Pony.
- The resolutions adopted during the meeting of state officials, encompassed several crucial measures. These include promptly herding the ponies, designating a temporary area for their accommodation, forming a task force, conducting consultations, allocating funds for pony management, assessing grazing grounds and permanent habitats, defining pony ownership and associated responsibilities, establishing stud books for registration, and organizing a pony census with stakeholder participation.
