Shillong, Aug 16: The Hills Farmers’ Union (HFU) in West Khasi Hills convened a meeting with pig farmers from across the district on August 14 to address problems caused by the ongoing pig disease outbreak.
Addressing reporters, HFU assistant general secretary Chester Kharbani said the gathering unanimously decided to submit a memorandum to district authorities seeking a ban on the entry of pigs from outside, particularly from areas affected by African swine fever.
The union also requested mandatory health testing of pigs before slaughter to protect both consumers and farmers. It further urged the state government to waive loans of farmers who incurred losses and to provide relief measures for recovery.
The HFU also highlighted illegal money collection from livestock farmers at border points and appealed to traders and meat vendors not to exploit the situation or source pigs from infected areas.
