In the ongoing 18th Lok Sabha Budget Session, Mizoram’s MP Richard Vanlalhmangaiha addressed the pressing issue of the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak, which has severely impacted the state’s pig farming community.
Taking the floor for the first time, Vanlalhmangaiha highlighted the dire situation in Mizoram, where over 8,250 pigs have died due to the ASF outbreak. He expressed deep concern over the lack of substantial support from the Central Government for the affected pig farmers, despite the devastating impact of the disease.
The MP urged the Union Minister of Animal Husbandry to expedite the approval of a project proposed by the Mizoram Government, valued at ₹26.725 crore, to provide much-needed relief to the struggling farmers. He emphasized the urgency of the situation and called for immediate action to address the ongoing crisis.
Earlier in May, pig farmers in Mizoram voiced their frustrations over what they perceived as inadequate support from the state’s Animal Husbandry and Veterinary (AH&Vety) Department. The Mizoram Pig Farmers Association (MIPFA) criticized the department’s response, citing difficulties in communication and dissatisfaction with the initiatives taken.
The economic repercussions of the ASF outbreak have been severe, with Mizoram’s pig farming industry suffering staggering losses. In 2021, the first wave of the outbreak resulted in losses amounting to ₹334.14 crores, with 45,808 pigs lost. The following year, the situation worsened, with another wave causing losses totaling ₹200.38 crores and 23,143 pig fatalities. Together, these losses amount to a staggering ₹534.43 crores, highlighting the enormous challenges faced by both pig farmers and authorities in Mizoram.
Also Read: The ‘other’ pandemic: How swine fever ravaged Mizoram’s pork industry