The Manda Buffalo Of Odisha Is The Unique Buffalo Breed; Recognised By The NBAGR

The Manda buffalo, found in the Eastern Ghats and plateau of Odisha's Koraput area, has been recognized by the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources as India's 19th distinct breed of buffalo. In 2019, the Odisha Animal Resources Development Department, in conjunction with the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, performed a comprehensive survey. According to the researcher, Manda is breed of tiny, robust buffaloes that are utilized for ploughing and agricultural operations in the Koraput, Malkangiri, and Nabarangpur districts.

Manda buffaloes have copper-coloured hair and ash grey coats. Their lower legs are light-colored, with coppery hair at the knees. Some animals have a silvery-white coloration. The Manda buffalo is parasite-resistant, disease-resistant, and can survive with very little input. In their native Koraput, Malkangiri, and Nabarangpur districts, these buffaloes are employed for ploughing.

Odisha's Animal Resource Development department, in conjunction with Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, performed a detailed survey to identify this buffalo germplasm. Four cow breeds, Binjharpuri, Motu, Ghumusari, and Khariar, as well as two buffalo breeds, Chilika and Kalahandi, and one sheep breed, Kendrapada, have previously been recognized by the NBAGR.