Guwahati, Jan 28: Over 10 lakh pig farmers in Assam are facing an uncertain future as the state government has given the green light to Thailand-based Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group to establish pig farming units across the state. This development has sparked strong opposition from local farmers who fear economic losses due to increased competition from the multinational giant.
Bharat Handique, joint secretary of the All Assam Pig Farmers Association (AAPFA), voiced concerns about CP Group’s entry into Assam’s piggery and poultry sector. He accused the conglomerate, Thailand’s largest, of planning to invest heavily in the state’s agricultural sector, particularly in pig farming.
The discussions between CP Group Chairman Adirek Sripratak and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, which took place on January 23 via video conference, focused on promoting pork as a cultural cuisine. Assam’s Revenue Minister Keshab Mahanta also attended the meeting. CP Group, with an annual revenue of $65 billion, operates across various sectors, including animal feed production, livestock farming, food processing, and healthcare.
CP Group has been invited to take part in Advantage Assam 2.0, a business event in Guwahati on February 25-26. While local farmers do not oppose the conglomerate’s participation in the event, they fear the state government may sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) allowing CP Group to set up large-scale pig farms in the state.
Handique warned that such a move would be detrimental to small-scale pig farmers. “CP Group’s industrial-scale operations will drive down prices, making it impossible for local farmers to compete,” he said. “Over 10 lakh small pig farmers in Assam are self-reliant, providing employment without government support. If CP Group enters the sector, they will supply pigs at much lower prices, pushing us into financial distress.”
Handique also pointed out that CP Group had been lobbying to enter Assam’s pig farming industry for over a year. While Veterinary Minister Atul Borah had initially opposed their entry due to concerns about its impact on local farmers, the government’s stance appears to have shifted under the leadership of Minister Krishnendu Paul, who is reportedly less experienced in the sector.
Pork is a popular food in Assam and the Northeast, with the region accounting for 38.42% of India’s total pig population. Assam alone has 1.63 million pigs, constituting 15.89% of the country’s total pig population. With the rising demand for pork, local farmers argue that the government should focus on strengthening indigenous farming rather than inviting foreign competition.
As the state government continues with its plans, the future of Assam’s pig farmers remains uncertain. The farming community has urged the government to prioritize the welfare of local farmers and prevent multinational corporations from monopolizing the industry.
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