Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma today said that the State through Rural Backyard Piggery Scheme ‘Progress’ envisions to tap opportunities by ensuring that the farmers earn sustainable livelihood through different livestock farming activities.
He informed that the flagship programme has been conceptualised by the government to ensure prosperity of grassroot families through livestock intervention which includes piggery, poultry, goatry, etc.
Launching the programme under the National Livestock Mission at Byrnihat in Ri-Bhoi, the Chief Minister said that the government through different welfare schemes is successfully providing income generation opportunities and economic prosperity of the farmers.
Stating that Meghalaya acquires 18,000 MT of pork from different State and there is huge shortfall in supply and demand, he said that through the piggery scheme the State envisions to address the shortage of pork supply.
Under phase 1 of the scheme, the government has earmarked Rs 15.18 crore, under which four high yielding improved varieties will be distributed to 6000 families.
The Chief Minister informed that additional Rs 25 crore will be earmarked to roll out the second phase of the programme.
It may be mentioned that under the mission, zero interest loan is provided for setting up of fattening and pig breeding. So far 250 piggery cooperative societies have availed loan amounting to 43.67 crore.
Under this scheme four piglets, three female and one male piglet will be distributed to farmers to promote pig breeding to provide regular income to farmer. This livestock package is worth of 25,000 per beneficiary. This scheme is envisaged to benefit 6000 poor and marginal farmers and also increase pork production in the State.
