Nongpoh/Shillong, Aug 11: The Committee on Government Assurances of the Meghalaya Assembly today visited Ri-Bhoi to inspect the poultry feed manufacturing unit and privately-run poultry breeding farms at Umiam, as well as the regional poultry breeding farm at Kyrdemkulai. The purpose of the visit was to gather information on the functioning of these poultry farms, including the production of poultry feed, the breeding and rearing of chickens, and the marketing of poultry products from the state.
The inspection was led by committee chairman Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar, accompanied by members Celestine Lyngdoh, Olansing Suin and Mathew B Kurbah, along with officials from the committee.
The team began their inspection at Umiam and concluded at Kyrdemkulai. During the visit, the committee members engaged with officials to understand in detail the production process of poultry feed, the breeding methods, poultry rearing practices, and the training programs provided to farmers. Such initiatives aim to promote poultry farming as a means of generating employment, income, and economic growth for farmers.
Speaking to the media, Lyngdoh Tongkhar expressed satisfaction with the inspection. He noted that both the private farms at Umiam and the government-run farm at Kyrdemkulai are genuinely benefiting poultry farmers. The Kyrdemkulai facility not only rears poultry but also trains farmers in various aspects of poultry farming, including chick hatching, feeding practices, and rearing methods. If these resources are fully utilised, he said, they can significantly benefit the farming community of the state.
He further highlighted that the demand for chicken meat in the state is very high, and current local production cannot fully meet this demand, requiring imports from outside the state. Therefore, if the government can expand poultry farming activities, it would serve as an effective means of boosting farmers’ income and strengthening the state’s economy.
Meanwhile, the Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO) has submitted a memorandum to Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister Alexander Laloo Hek, demanding an immediate crackdown on rampant livestock smuggling and unregulated meat imports through Meghalaya.
HITO president Donbok Dkhar expressed deep concern over what he said was unchecked smuggling and illegal import of cattle, poultry, piggery and other livestock products into and through Meghalaya. Dkhar stated that this menace is growing by the day and threatens the state’s economy, public health and the very credibility of governance.
Citing alarming proportions of cattle smuggling to Bangladesh, Dkhar claimed that frequent seizures by the Border Security Force in Meghalaya have made headlines. He also expressed concern over the unregulated entry of poultry and piggery products, facilitated by a clandestine network of smugglers, local agents and certain police elements.
Byrnihat in Ri-Bhoi remains the main entry point for this illicit trade, yet there is no government mechanism to regulate or monitor imports or transit, he claimed.
