Srinagar: The Kashmir Pony has been officially recognised and registered as an indigenous horse breed by the ICAR–National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBAGR), Karnal, following research and documentation by scientists of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K).
The recognition was granted by the ICAR Breed Registration Committee during its 14th meeting held on August 7. Jammu and Kashmir has been recognised as the home tract of the breed, which has been assigned accession number INDIA_HORSE_0700_KASHMIRI_07009.
According to officials, the research was carried out by scientists from the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, SKUAST-K, led by Dr Syed Shanaz, Head of the Division of Animal Genetics and Breeding. The research team included Dr Muzamil Abdullah, Dr Akeel Yousuf Wani, Dr Nazish Rizwan and Dr Khushboo Javaid.
The study was conducted in collaboration with the ICAR-NBAGR, Karnal, with scientific guidance from Dr A.K. Mishra, Principal Scientist and project in-charge. Officials of the Animal Husbandry Department also assisted in the groundwork for the study.
Officials said the registration marks a significant step in the scientific documentation and conservation of Jammu and Kashmir’s animal genetic resources. The recognition is expected to support future efforts aimed at the conservation, sustainable utilisation and development of the Kashmir Pony breed.
