Pig farming is an important revenue generating activity for the rural communities across the state. The meat has huge local demand all throughout the year which drives farmer earnings. However this sector is mostly individual-centric and the lack of government support especially in providing good husbandry services has limited its growth and potential.  
Case in point, when a number of pig deaths began in Arunachal Pradesh last year, the government hardly kept track which resulted in the disease spreading to neighbouring state of Assam. Assam alone has lost around 10 lakh pigs so far; Arunachal has no available data. Mizoram and Meghalaya have also reported a significant number of pig deaths.
For a region which relies heavily on this sector, the loss is terrible especially given the fact that government help is difficult to come by.
Swine Fever is one of the most important virus-borne diseases for the pigs. African Swine Fever and Classical Swine Fever are caused by very similar viruses that are distinguishable by lab tests only. According to the World Organisation for Animal Health, the 100 per cent fatal ASF is a viral haemorrhagic disease that infects pigs and wild boars. With no cure or vaccine, isolation or culling are the only ways to further prevent its spread. Therefore, the allocation for the year 2020-21 for the Classical Swine Fever Control Programme (CSF-CP) which is ‘zero’, amidst the deaths of lakhs of pigs due to the African Swine Fever (ASF) across the Northeastern states since May 2020, is a cruel joke on farmers who are facing the worst.
Pig farming has the potential to significantly raise farmers’ incomes with much needed government assistance. Farmers here have poor access to veterinary services and only a miniscule percentile of diseased pigs are treated by veterinarians. Majority of the animals are treated by the farmers themselves. Without government control, animals are not checked for vital treatments such as periodic de-worming including hygiene and sanitation. With no safety checks, who is to tell if diseased animals or those under treatment do not find their way to the wet markets.
Pig farming is a wasted opportunity despite its potential. This is one sector which can generate both income and employment. It is an untapped opportunity for farmers as well as entrepreneurs in Arunachal Pradesh. Since doubling farmers’ income by 2022 has been a core agenda of the present dispensation, piggery is one sector which can be worked upon.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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