Current status and strategies for further development of the piggery sector in North Eastern Region

Abstract

North-Eastern Region (NER) has an important contribution in India’s economic development through pig farming practices. Pig farming is an important source of livelihood for the tribal community in the rural areas. Among the total pig population in India, NER alone houses more than 38% of the pig population. Thus, this region offers tremendous opportunity for piggery development as the tribal people and backward section of the society have been traditionally involved in the rearing pigs and they consider it as their subsidiary source of income. Moreover, among the different states, Assam has a special significance in pig rearing as it can play an important role in improving the socio-economic status of the weaker section of the rural community; and a majority of the people of this region irrespective of their community are fond of pork. As per the latest census data Assam holds highest pig population in the country (2.1 million). With increasing demand for pork and pork products, the piggery sector in the North-Eastern states foresees further expansion and industrialization.