January 31, 2024

Pork prices soar in India, swine farms face shortage amid ASF scare

Pork prices have surged in India, up INR 100 (US$1.20) to INR 350 (US$4.21) per kg, due to a shortage of larger swine in farms and the spread of African swine fever (ASF), Daiji World reported.

Reports indicated that ASF has affected certain parts of Dakshina Kannada district in Karnataka state, with unofficial information suggesting that some affected swine were sold in the market before the disease was officially identified on a private farm in Padu Perara village.

ASF has resulted in farmers reducing the number of swine they raise, following the advice of veterinary doctors. The scarcity of large swine has resulted in increased demand for piglets, now priced at INR 6,000 (US$72.24) for a two-month-old piglet, up from the previous range of INR 2,500 (US$30.10) to INR 3,000 (US$36.12).

Sathish Naik, project coordinator at India's International Competence Centre for Organic Agriculture, noted that local swine farmers are apprehensive about ASF. They are avoiding risks, resulting in higher prices for piglets.

Dr Vasant Shetty, regional research officer at the Mangaluru Veterinary Disease Centre, said that there is currently no ASF cases detected in Dakshina Kannada district. However, swine farmers have been cautioned, and the district administration has imposed restrictions on the transportation of swine from other districts and states.

-        Daiji World