A total of Rs 15.59 crore has been disbursed to 5,436 families across Mizoram as compensation for pigs culled due to African Swine Fever (ASF), with the formal launch of the distribution programme held today at the MINECO Office Chamber of the Animal Husbandry & Veterinary (AH&Vety) Department.
The programme, titled “Distribution & Launching of ASF Compensation,” was attended by AH&Vety Minister C. Lalsawivunga, who stated that since the first detection of ASF at Lungsen in Lunglei district on March 21, 2021, the recurring outbreak has severely affected the state’s economy, with pig deaths and culling reported annually.
He said that, as per Government of India guidelines, compensation is provided only for culled pigs under prescribed rates through a 50 per cent Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) and 50 per cent State Matching Share (SMS). However, during 2022–23 and 2023–24, the state received only 25 per cent of the required CSS and SMS funds, resulting in beneficiaries receiving only 25 per cent of their eligible compensation during that period.
Considering the significant losses faced by pig farmers, the Mizoram government declared ASF a State Disaster in 2024. Under this provision, compensation was extended for pig deaths, excluding culled pigs, at a rate of Rs 4,000 per pig, limited to six pigs per beneficiary across the state.
For 2024, compensation for culled pigs amounted to Rs 15,59,34,001, against a total required fund of Rs 24,50,05,600, to be shared between the Central and State governments under CSS and SMS. The Minister informed that funds have been released to District Officers, and disbursement to beneficiaries commenced today through cheque or Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
A total of 26,179 animals across 11 districts were covered under the compensation scheme. Aizawl district recorded the highest number of beneficiaries, with 1,302 families and 10,926 animals, followed by Serchhip with 2,382 families and 7,119 animals. Lunglei accounted for 611 families and 3,287 animals, while other districts, including Kolasib, Mamit, Saitual, Khawzawl, Hnahthial, Siaha, Champhai and Lawngtlai, also received compensation.
The revised compensation rates for pigs culled due to ASF range from Rs 2,200 for pigs below 15 kg to Rs 15,000 for pigs weighing above 100 kg.
The Minister further stated that funds required for 2025 have been proposed under the 2026–27 Action Plan, and efforts are being made to secure full funding. He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting pig farmers affected by ASF and to mitigating the impact of the disease on the rural economy.
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