SHILLONG, MAY 26: Still grappling with losses from African Swine Flu outbreaks, pig farmers in Meghalaya have appealed to the state government for a complete waiver of Piggery Mission loans and targeted measures to protect local producers.

The Federation of Piggery Farmers of Meghalaya met Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Minister Sanbor Shullai on Tuesday to submit a memorandum outlining the crisis. The delegation was accompanied by Mawkynrew MLA Banteidor Lyngdoh.

The Federation represents more than 400 farmers, with membership still growing.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Federation Secretary Napoleon Mawphniang said many farmers had taken loans of Rs 15 to 20 lakh under the state’s Piggery Mission during 2022-2023 to scale up their farms. The African Swine Flu outbreak, however, wiped out livestock and turned those loans into a liability.

“Many thought the loan was a blessing, but when African Swine Flu hit, many of them became victims of the loan itself,” he said.

“Now the pigs are gone, yet banks are demanding repayment. The farmers don’t know what to do. Many are still panicked and some have been pushed to desperation.”

He stressed that the disease remains a threat.

“From the federation we demand that the government take care of African Swine Flu, which is still going on right now.”

Beyond disease, local farmers are struggling against an influx of pigs from Assam, Punjab, and other states.

“Local farmers suffer due to an unregulated market influx. Pigs coming from outside the state are competing with local pigs,” Mawphniang said.

“It takes us one and a half years to rear a local pig, whereas pigs coming from outside take only five to six months. We are not able to compete.”
He also highlighted the absence of price categories in the pork market.

“When it comes to chicken, we have broiler and croiler. But when it comes to pigs, we have only one price tag. This is a problem for local farmers.”

The Federation urged the government to waive the Piggery Mission loans in full. It also proposed a ‘Buy Meghalaya Pork’ policy to boost demand for local meat and called for a non-refundable relief grant of Rs 10 lakh per farmer to help restart operations.

According to Mawphniang, the minister assured the delegation that he will take up the matter and will call for a meeting by next month to address the issues raised.

Also Read: Meghalaya Speaker attends global parliamentary seminar in Canada

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