July 15, 2010

Thailand earmarks US$46.4 million for swine sector

Thailand's pig and pork products development policy committee, also known as the Pig Board, has allocated THB1.52 billion (US$46.4 million) to improve the country's swine industry.

The programme, to run from this year through 2014, is aimed at upgrading the local pig business and ensuring sustainability in raising livestock.

The development, which would improve management and sanitation throughout the raising process, is expected to help increase meat exports for an industry which has been hobbled by foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) for years.

Agriculture Minister Theera Wongsamut, chairman of the board, said the five-year programme included key strategies, starting with plans to manage supplies efficiently each year. Under the scheme, farmers will be encouraged to form groups or co-operatives which will have a greater capacity for improving farm standards.

Registration of pig and pork suppliers and sellers, and the standard of distribution units are crucial to assure the quality of supply chains. Local slaughterhouses also have to be improved and regularly inspected.

The plans would also educate pig raisers about the use of quality animal feed, natural feed supplements and the risks of using antibiotics.

Theera said the programme, which the cabinet approved last week, would not only provide hygienic meat to consumers, but also help meet export standards.