SRINAGAR, AUGUST 25: In a landmark scientific achievement for Jammu & Kashmir, scientists of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) have secured official recognition and registration of the Kashmir Pony as a new indigenous horse breed by the ICAR–National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBAGR), Karnal.
The recognition was accorded by the ICAR Breed Registration Committee during its 14th meeting held on August 7, 2026. Jammu & Kashmir has been recognized as the home tract of the breed, which has been assigned the accession number INDIA_HORSE_0700_KASHMIRI_07009.
The milestone has been accomplished by scientists of SKUAST-K’s Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, led by Dr. Syed Shanaz, Head, Division of Animal Genetics & Breeding. The research and documentation involved the committed efforts of the research team comprising Dr. Muzamil Abdullah, Assistant Professor, MRCSG; Dr. Akeel Yousuf Wani, MVSc Scholar, LPM; Dr. Nazish Rizwan, MVSc Scholar, LPM; and Dr. Khushboo Javaid, MVSc Scholar, AGB.
The work was carried out with valuable scientific collaboration and guidance from ICAR-NBAGR, Karnal, including Dr. A.K. Mishra, Principal Scientist and In-charge of the Project. The groundwork for the study was also made possible through the support and cooperation of officers of the Animal Husbandry Department.
The recognition marks a significant milestone in the scientific documentation, characterization and conservation of Kashmir’s unique animal genetic heritage. Besides securing national recognition for the Kashmir Pony, the registration opens new avenues for its systematic conservation, sustainable utilization and exploration of its future livelihood potential.
