MPPFA seeks special scheme for ASF-hit farmers
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, March 10 2024:
Manipur Progressive Pig Farmers' Association (MPPFA) has urged the government to take up special schemes for farmers who suffered loss due to outbreak of African Swine Fever (AFS) in October-November last year.
Addressing media persons at Manipur Press Club, here, on Sunday, MPPFA member Ningthoujam Sanjoy said that around 90 percent of pigs reared in the state perished due to ASF last year.
Recalling deaths of pigs in a single farm even before arrival of post mortem reports on the casualty figure as well as continuation of the same after confirmation of the fatal disease, he lamented that the government authority is yet to compensate the affected farmers in-spite of the veterinary department carrying out culling exercise to prevent further spread of ASF.
Sanjoy further informed that subsequent to outbreak of ASF, many are unable to restart pig farming due to financial issues coupled with the present unrest situation in the state.
Moreover, farmers who had taken loan are also not in a position to repay the interest or capital amount owing to different factors.
As such the government should put in place effective measures to help the pig farmers including waive the loan interest, the MPPFA member suggested while reiterating that the government should launch special scheme for the pig farmers as done for violence-affected entrepreneurs of the state.