September 5, 2022

 

Meghalaya, India aims to help farmers earn sustainable livelihood through various livestock farmings

 

 

Indian state Meghalaya's Progress scheme aims to ensure that farmers earn a sustainable livelihood through different livestock farming activities, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said last week.

 

Launching the flagship programme "Rural Backyard Piggery Scheme" under the National Livestock Mission at Byrnihat in Ri-Bhoi district, Sangma said that the government, through different welfare schemes, is successfully providing income generation opportunities and economic prosperity to farmers.

 

He said that Meghalaya acquires 18,000 tonnes of pork from different Indian states and there is a huge shortfall in supply and demand. Through the piggery scheme, the state envisions addressing the shortage of pork.

 

He added that Progress has been conceptualised by the government to ensure the prosperity of grassroots families through livestock intervention which includes piggery and poultry.

 

Under Rural Backyard Piggery Scheme, the government has earmarked funds under which four high-yielding improved varieties will be distributed to 6000 families.

 

Sangma noted that additional funds will be earmarked to roll out the second phase of the programme.

 

To make the state self-sufficient in pork, the government is implementing one of the largest piggery development programmes, the Meghalaya Piggery Mission.

 

Under this mission, zero interest loan is provided for setting up fattening and pig breeding. So far, 250 piggery cooperative societies have availed loans.

 

To further exploit the potential of the piggery sector, the government launched the Rural Backyard Piggery Scheme funded by the central government under the National Livestock Mission.

 

The scheme was launched on August 10 in East Garo Hills district.

 

Under this scheme, four piglets will be distributed to farmers to promote pig breeding and thus provide potential regular income to farmers.

 

The scheme is envisaged to benefit 6,000 poor farmers and increase pork production in Meghalaya.

 

- Business Standard