Manda Buffalo: Odisha | 07 Sep 2021

Why in News

The Manda buffalo has been recognised as the 19^th unique breed of buffaloes found in India by the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR).

• Four breeds of cattle - Binjharpuri, Motu, Ghumusari and Khariar - and two breeds of buffalo - Chilika and Kalahandi - and one breed of sheep, Kendrapada, have already received NBAGR recognition.

Key Points

• Manda:
  
  • Habitat:
    
    • They are found in the Eastern Ghats and plateau of Koraput region of Odisha.
    • The small, sturdy buffaloes are used for ploughing in their native habitat.
  • Characteristics:
    
    • These buffaloes have ash grey and grey coats with copper-coloured hair. Some animals are silver white in colour.
  • Speciality of the Breed:
    
    • The Manda are resistant to parasitic infections, less prone to diseases and can live, produce and reproduce at low or nil input systems.
• Significance of Recognition:
  
  • The state and the Centre will make efforts to conserve this unique buffalo genetic resource of Odisha and enhance their productivity through breeding strategy.
  • The governments will help in marketing the produce- milk, curd and ghee at a premium price resulting in the improvement of the livelihood of the stakeholders in the native tract.
• NBAGR:
  
  • Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) -National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal (ICAR-NBAGR) is the nodal agency for the registration of newly identified germplasm of livestock and poultry of the country.
  • Its mandate includes Identification, Evaluation, Characterization, Conservation and sustainable Utilization of Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resources.

Source: TH