The Manipuri duck, locally known as Meitei Nganu / Eshing Nganu, has been officially recognised as an indigenous duck breed of India.

More About the News

• The Manipuri duck has been registered as a distinct indigenous breed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research – National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, following approval by the Breed Registration Committee.
  The decision was taken during the 13th meeting of the committee held in New Delhi, chaired by the Deputy Director General (Animal Science), ICAR.
• This recognition formally places the Manipuri duck within India’s official livestock genetic repository.

Why is this important?

• Indigenous breed recognition helps in conservation, scientific breeding and policy support.
• It safeguards local genetic resources from extinction and unregulated cross-breeding.
• Registration enables targeted funding, research and farmer support under national livestock programmes.

Key facts about Manipuri Duck

• Local names: Meitei Nganu, Eshing Nganu
• Region: Manipur
• Rearing system: Mostly backyard and wetland-based, low-input system
• Utility: Eggs and meat; well adapted to local climatic and wetland conditions
• Significance: Part of Manipur’s traditional farming and food culture.
• With this registration, Manipur now has four indigenous breeds recognised at the national level:
• Manipuri Pony, Kaunayen Chicken, Manipuri Black Pig, Manipuri Duck

National context

• In the same approval cycle, 13 indigenous and 3 synthetic livestock and poultry breeds from across India were cleared.
• Assam also featured with registrations such as Nagi duck and Rajdigheli goose.
• So far, 242 indigenous animal breeds have been registered in India, reflecting the country’s vast agro-biodiversity.

One-line wrap

The indigenous tag for the Manipuri duck strengthens conservation of local genetic resources while supporting sustainable rural livelihoods.

Exam Hook

Q. Consider the following statements about the Manipuri duck:

1. It has been registered as an indigenous duck breed by the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources.
2. It is traditionally reared under low-input, wetland-based systems in Manipur.
3. Its registration allows access to conservation and breeding support under national livestock programmes.

Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1 and 3 only

Correct answer: (c)

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