Need to bridge pork, egg supply gap: Veterinary Secretary
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 29 2025: The annual get-together of pig farmers was held under the aegis of Manipur Progressive Pig Farmers' Association (MAPPFA) at the Farmers' Training Centre of Veterinary Complex near Sanjenthong, on Saturday.

As the chief guest of the gathering, veterinary and animal husbandry secretary Michael Achom highlighted significant gap between the supply and demand of pigs in Manipur, despite pork being widely consumed meat in the state.

Stressing the need for bridging the gap through enhancing local production, he said the shortfall in supply is being met through imports from outside the state.

Noting that Manipur has the potential for pig farming on a larger scale, the secretary called upon the pig farmers to strive for exporting frozen pork to other states.

He further highlighted that pig farming offers immense opportunities for income generation and entrepreneurship in the state.

However, Michael Achom pointed out that there are currently no beneficiary-oriented schemes for pig farmers under the Government of India, although the department does provide support in the form of insurance and vaccination.

He added that Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) is being implemented under the National Livestock Mission.

Additionally, banks are offering a 50 per cent subsidy for constructing pigsties as part of capital investment through credit-linked support.

Citing the successful implementation of EDP in Mizoram, the secretary stated that meetings will be held with banks to understand why benefits are not being extended to pig farmers applying under EDP in Manipur.

He also recalled a time when fish imports to the state were high to meet local demands, which significantly declined after the Manipur State Cooperative Bank (MSCB) began providing loans to fish farmers in 2017, leading to increased local production.

Further stating that Manipur imports around 2 lakh eggs daily and approximately 7.5 crore eggs annually, Michael allayed apprehension over shortage of buyers in the state.

The gap between supply and demand must be bridged, he said, adding that continued imports only benefit farmers from other states.

Presided over by MAPPFA president N Lokendro, the programme was also attended by Veterinary and Animal Husbandry director RK Khogendra as guest of honour.

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