‘Manipuri Duck’ Recognised as Indigenous Breed of Manipur
The Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal, has achieved a significant milestone with the official registration of the local duck breed known as the ‘Manipuri Duck’, locally called Meitei Nganu or Esing Nganu, as an indigenous breed of Manipur.
The breed has been registered by the ICAR–National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR), Karnal, Haryana, following approval by the Breed Registration Committee during its 13th meeting held on November 12, 2025, in New Delhi. The meeting was chaired by Dr Raghavendra Bhatta, Deputy Director General (Animal Science), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
Among 13 indigenous livestock and poultry breeds approved at the meeting, the Manipuri Duck has been assigned the accession number INDIA_DUCK_1200_MANIPURI_11008.
The official breed registration certificate was formally handed over to CAU, Imphal, by Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, during the Animal Breed Registration Certificate and Breed Conservation Award Distribution Ceremony held on January 14 in New Delhi.
The certificate was received on behalf of CAU, Imphal, by Dr T.C. Tolenkhomba, Dr Haobijam Chaoba Singh, and Dr M. Norjit Singh.
Officials stated that the registration marks an important step towards the conservation and recognition of Manipur’s indigenous animal genetic resources. It is expected to promote scientific breeding, strengthen conservation initiatives, and enhance livelihood opportunities for farmers engaged in traditional duck rearing across the state.
