Farmers seek probe into mass dying of pigs
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, October 11 2023:
Drawing urgent attention of the government and department concerned to find out the cause for mass perishing of pigs within October 15, Manipur Progressive Piggery Farmers' Association urged for chalking up plans to prevent such calamitous causes to reduce the financial burden faced by piggery farmers in future.
Speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club here on Wednesday, Association's joint secretary L Bidyasagar pointed out that piggery farming is being practiced in Manipur since ages with substantial number of the population dependent on the same as a source of sustenance.
With reference to unprecedented perishing of pigs due to suspected African swine fever in Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur and Kakching districts, he said that the approximate loss incurred in the five valley districts might be around Rs 20 crore.
Moreover, 90 per cent of the pigs reared by valley farmers have died of suspected African swine fever and they are incurring heavy loss, he said.
Recalling similar incidents of mass dying of pigs due to suspected African swine fever in the past, Bidyasagar stated that many farmers who depend on piggery have given up the occupation.
As the current outbreak of an unknown diseases among the pigs will make more piggery farmers to leave the occupation, the department concerned need to extend help to the deprived farmers and compensate the losses suffered, he maintained.