Source: Manipur Mail
Imphal, January 03:
The Tarungpokpi piggery farm at Ngankna Lawai, Bishenpur district of the veterinary department now lies unused even after the sties were constructed.
The major portion of the farm is now occupied by the Garhwal Rifles and the army personnel have resorted to heavy cutting down of trees in the area albeit the opposition by the locals.
A media team went to the farm today to find out if the farm is really working.
Two pig breeding farrris were sanctioned by the Agriculture ministry, Crovernment of India and Rs 44 lakhs were sanctioned for construction of two piggery farms at Tarungpokpi and Dugailong, Tamenglong.
The Rs 22 lakhs sanctioned for Tarungpokpi farm were used in portions, in 1999-2000 Rs 8 lakhs were used for infrastructure improvement out of which Rs 6.50 lakhs paid to Manidco for construction of piggery farm and Rs 1.5 lakh spend for feeding utensil and training.
Another Rs 14 lakhs were kept for import of Australian breed pig.
So far even after years of construction of the farm no decisions have been taken to purchase any pigs.
The department reportedly is indecisive on what kind of breed is to be purchased.
The centrally sponsored scheme never took off - due the indecision and untimely release of fund by the government.
The sties were never used for the real purpose it was constructed.
Pigs can be breeded in the area.
The Veterinary has a large area which can be properly utilised.
Now the PY College which is adjacent to the farm is occupied by the CRPF.
The Veterinary office at Bishenpur which controls the functioning of the farm informed that Hingmihimum, field assistant and P Budhi are supposed to be at the farm.
At the farm however no staff of the department was found.