The opposition today cornered the state government on the death of piglets due to African swine fever (ASF) and the absence of a state veterinary hospital.
Mawhati MLA Charles Marngar of the Congress Party lamented that several farmers have suffered huge losses as many of their piglets have died of ASF.
To a request that compensation be paid to the farmers who have experienced financial losses, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister AL Hek said that they are not eligible for compensation other than an insurance payout that is part of the state’s Piggery Mission.
Under the insurance scheme, Rs 4,000 per piglet is provided to farmers who have lost piglets to ASF.
Opposition leader Ronnie V Lyngdoh, also of the Congress, suggested that the government set up a Veterinary Hospital to which Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma intervened and informed that the Meghalaya government has received sanction of Rs 30 crore under PM DIVINE for a state veterinary hospital in Upper Shillong.
Nongthymmai MLA Charles Pyngrope of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) also urged the government to call a meeting of the State Animal Welfare Board to discuss the issue of dead piglets in the state.
