Shillong: The Federation of Piggery Farmers Meghalaya (FPFM), a newly formed association, has submitted a detailed representation to the Meghalaya Government seeking complete waiver of all loans disbursed under the Piggery Mission. The demand comes in the wake of severe financial distress faced by pig farmers due to repeated outbreaks of African Swine Fever (ASF), a sharp collapse in market prices, and what they describe as inadequate government support.
In their formal submission, the federation highlighted that thousands of farmers who availed loans under the ambitious scheme have suffered devastating losses. African Swine Fever, a highly contagious viral disease with no known vaccine or cure, has led to mass mortality of pigs across several districts in the state. The outbreak has not only wiped out entire herds but has also created a ripple effect on the local economy, where piggery serves as a vital source of livelihood for many rural households.
Compounding the problem is the influx of cheap pork and live pigs from neighbouring states such as Assam and Punjab, which has led to a market collapse. Local producers are unable to compete with these lower-priced imports, further eroding their income. Farmers have also raised concerns over the potential spread of ASF through unregulated inter-state movement of animals.
The Piggery Mission, launched around 2020 with an outlay of approximately ₹200–209 crore in collaboration with the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), aimed to achieve self-sufficiency in pork production in Meghalaya. The scheme sought to support over 25,000 households by promoting breeding and fattening units through subsidized or zero-interest loans and grants. While the initiative was designed to boost rural entrepreneurship and increase meat availability, the recurring ASF outbreaks since 2020 have severely undermined its objectives.
Many beneficiaries now find themselves trapped in debt as loan repayment deadlines approach, despite heavy losses. The federation has pointed out that previous appeals for compensation and emergency measures have not yielded adequate results. In April 2026, the FPFM had also urged the state government to declare an agricultural emergency to tackle the ASF situation on a war footing.
Piggery remains a traditional and culturally significant occupation in Meghalaya, particularly in rural areas. The crisis has sparked fears of widespread distress among farming communities if timely relief measures are not announced. Stakeholders are now closely watching the state government’s response, with expectations of possible interventions such as full or partial loan waivers, restructuring of debts, enhanced biosecurity support, and stricter controls on pig imports.
The outcome of this representation could have significant implications for the future of animal husbandry schemes in the state and the sustainability of rural livelihoods dependent on pig farming.
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