In a significant development for Assam's crucial piggery sector, the state government has announced the imminent lifting of a ban on pork sales across seven districts. The decision brings major relief to thousands of farmers whose livelihoods were impacted by the restrictions imposed due to African Swine Fever (ASF).
Ban to be Revoked After Successful Containment
State Minister for Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Krishnendu Paul, confirmed the move following a high-level review meeting in Dhemaji on Wednesday. The ban, which was enforced on November 17 across Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Lakhimpur, Sivasagar, Jorhat, Darrang, and Kamrup districts, had brought a vital economic activity to a standstill.
Minister Paul stated that the prohibition, enacted as a necessary precaution under the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act, 2009, will be lifted soon. "We have not received any positive cases of ASF in these seven districts for the past several weeks, which is an encouraging sign," he told reporters. He indicated that a formal order could be issued within a day or two.
Comprehensive Compensation Package for Affected Farmers
Alongside revoking the ban, the minister unveiled a detailed compensation package for pig rearers who suffered losses due to the culling of animals during the ASF outbreak. The financial aid will be disbursed directly to beneficiaries' bank accounts via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) in a phased manner.
"Already the list of the beneficiaries has been prepared. The compensation will be borne 50% by Centre and 50% by state government," Paul added. The compensation follows the Union ministry's guidelines:
- Rs 2,200 for piglets (up to 15 kg)
- Rs 5,800 for growers (15-40 kg)
- Rs 8,400 for breeding boars/sows (40-70 kg)
- Rs 12,000 for animals weighing 70-100 kg
- Rs 15,000 for those exceeding 100 kg
Economic Revival for the Piggery Industry
The original ban had halted all inter-district movement of live pigs statewide and prohibited both intra-district movement and pork sales within the seven affected districts. This had a severe impact on the livelihoods of lakhs of pig farmers in a state where piggery is a major industry and pork consumption is widespread.
The impending lifting of restrictions is expected to rejuvenate the local economy and restore the supply chain. This revival is crucial not only for Assam's internal market but also for other northeastern states that rely on the region for supplies of live pigs and processed meat. The move marks a critical step towards normalcy for an industry that faced weeks of uncertainty and financial strain.
