Imphal, May 21: The local buffalo breed available in the State is distinct and quite different from other buffalo breed available in other States of India.

Principal Scientist of the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Haryana Dr DK Sadhana who is on a three day official visit to the State observed the distinct qualities and traits of the local buffalo breed.

To make proper documentation of the distinctive traits of the buffalo breeds available in the State, and to study its contribution in the bio-diversity of the region, DNA tests of these buffalo breeds will be conducted under a special project of the Bureau, said Dr Sadhana.

He observed that the buffalo breeds of Manipur are adapted to low lying plains and swamps and are immune to many common animal diseases.

The scientist also conveyed serious concern over the dwindling number of indigenous pony breeds used in playing polo.

Speaking at an interaction programme held at Hotel Imphal today with the Director of the Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Dr Th Doren and other officials of the Department, Dr Sadhana informed that a brain storming session on the indigenous animal breeds of the State will be organised soon.

During the session, to which scientists of the National Bureau and the ICAR will be invited, a resolution to take up a project on genetic resources of the indigenous animal breeds available in the State will be adopted, he said.

Buffaloes available in the State can be broadly classified into two groups� one reared at hilly terrain and the other reared at valley.

A study of the livestock census reports from 1987 to 2003 revealed that the total population of buffaloes in the State has gone down to 45.39 percent during the period.

According to the livestock census report of 2003, the number of buffaloes in the valley districts was 13,279 while the number of buffaloes in the hill districts was 63,671, totalling to 76,950.

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