Fears among Ri-Bhoi pig farmers continue to rise as swine deaths at one cooperative in Saiden touched 30 today.
Farmers are concerned that their livelihood could be ruined by the deaths, which have yet to be explained up to now, though it is suspected by the farmers that the infections originated in pigs imported from outside the state.
Pynsngiat Kharlukhi, a member of the Nangku Chaphrang Multipurpose Cooperative Society, revealed that the deaths among rearing pigs commenced approximately two weeks ago due to an unknown illness, causing growing distress among pig farmers in the neighbourhood.
“The Veterinary Department conducted an on-site inspection and initiated post-mortem examinations about a week ago,” she explained. “However, no reports have been provided thus far and the pig deaths persist.”
If the situation does not improve, pig farmers like her could be financially ruined. The cooperative began with government assistance through the Piggery Mission. Kharlukhi is deeply worried that she will be unable to meet loan repayments due to the death toll.
Kharlukhi appealed to the Meghalaya government to take immediate and decisive action to prevent further unexplained pig deaths.
