Shillong, May 26: Pig farmers have expressed concern regarding their financial stability, particularly as a result of the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreaks that have devastated local livestock.
The Federation of Piggery Farmers of Meghalaya recently met with Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister Sanbor Shullai to push for the waiver of loans taken under the Piggery Mission Scheme.
The farmers, represented by the federation and led by secretary Napoleon Mawphniang, stated that many had secured loans between Rs 15 lakh and Rs 20 lakh to bolster their farming operations. However, the rise of ASF has resulted in the loss of significant livestock, leaving these farmers in a precarious financial situation.
“Many farmers thought the loans would help improve their livelihood, but after the African Swine Fever hit, the loans became a burden,” Mawphniang said. He said several farmers have lost their livestock but are still being asked by banks to repay their loans.
“The pigs are gone, but the banks are still demanding repayment,” stated Mawphniang. He also said ASF continues to remain a concern for pig farmers in the state and urged the government to take stronger steps to control the disease.
Apart from the disease outbreak, the federation said local pig farmers are also facing tough competition from pigs brought in from other states.
According to Mawphniang, local farmers take nearly one and a half years to rear pigs, while pigs from outside the state are ready for the market within five to six months, making competition difficult. He also pointed out that there is no separate pricing system for local and imported pigs in the market.
Additionally, the farmers are advocating for a “Buy Meghalaya Pork” policy to promote local pork sales and enhance market competitiveness against pork arriving from states like Assam and Punjab.
Moreover, they are requesting a non-refundable relief grant of Rs 10 lakh per farmer to help jumpstart recovery efforts in the sector.
Mawphniang said the minister assured the delegation that the matter would be taken up and a meeting would likely be called next month to discuss the issues raised.
