Assam Pig Farmers Oppose Modi Government’s Nod To Inter-State Transport Of Pork
While Prime Minister Modi’s latest mantra Vocal for Local has been widely hyped all over the country, the government’s recent nod to inter state transport of pork from Haryana and Pujab has put the pig farmers of Assam deep waters. As if the debilitating effects of the Covid 19 crisis on various types of businesses were not enough, the pig farmers and pork traders in Assam recently have also been facing the crisis of African Swine Fever that affects the pigs. In 2019 the pig farmers in Assam faced massive loss due to swine flu and this year, since May, over 17000 pigs have been killed by this disease. While both the traditional pig farmers as well as more organised farms are dealing with the crisis and are seeking government intervention to protect their livelihood, a recent directive from the government of India has added to their woes. While there is a temporary ban on slaughtering or inter district movement of pigs, the union government’s nod to interstate movement of pork from Haryana and Punjab to Assam and other Northeastern states have sounded the death bugle for the local pig farmers. The pig farmers and pork traders have expressed concerned that this move by the government of India will decimate the local pig farms and pork processing units in Assam.
The pig farmers and entrepreneurs have been voicing their concern over social media and other platforms. The The North East Progressive Pig Farmers Association (NEPPFA) has strongly opposed the move.
Taking to ResourceMantra, Pranab Milan Gogoi, who owns a pork delivery startup named Flying Pig said, “Since April the local pig farmers have not been able to do business. There has been no concrete steps to provide compensation for the culling and the loss of revenue due to African Swine Flu as well as Covid 19. We are not against free trade but at this moment of crisis, the local farmers and traders must be protected. How can you let the local farmers die while those from outside the state are allowed to earn crores of rupees in this market?”
Monorom Gogoi, a leading entrepreneur and founder of Thologiri, an indigenous food and handicraft brand says, “Pork produced in Assam covers a market in the entire Northeastern region which is worth around 8000 crores annually with Assam alone contributing around 6000 crores to this market. Various communities in Assam have been rearing pigs from time immemorial. Some young entrepreneurs have also entered this market in the recent years. It was the duty of the state veterinary department to protect the local farmers and traders. But we have noticed that there have been relentless efforts to decimate the local traders. The government of Assam, should resist such moves instead of being a party to it.”
The state Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister Atul Bora has expressed concern over the union government’s move. “I have taken serious note of a GoI directive regarding transportation of pigs from other states to Assam.
We are taking all steps to protect the interests of our pig farmers. AH&V officials have been directed to take up the matter with GoI immediately.”, Bora has tweeted.
I have taken serious note of a GoI directive regarding transportation of pigs from other states to Assam.
We are taking all steps to protect the interests of our pig farmers. AH&V officials have been directed to take up the matter with GoI immediately.
— Atul Bora (@ATULBORA2) July 22, 2020
But many like Monorom Gogoi are demanding concrete action. “ The State Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister has expressed concern over the Union Government’s decision. We request him to take concrete steps to resist it instead of just expressing concern.” Gogoi said.
Satyen Mahanta, another leading agri entrepreneur and mentor says, “The pork lobby from outside the state is more organised and rich. They have been able to take advantage of the present crisis to capture the lucrative market in the Northeast. This move by the union government will completely destroy the pig farmers in the region. The Assam government should send a strong signal to the union government. At the same time, the consumers should be aware of the situation and they should resist such moves to destroy the local farmers.”
Meanwhile Arunavhal Pradesh Minister Tage Taki has requested the Government of India to revoke this decisions.
In Assam and other NE states, various communities are traditionally into piggeries and pork is a highly consumed meat in the state. In the recent years many entrepreneurs have entered the trade. The issue of protecting the interests of these farmers against the onslaught of organised pig industry based outside the region has been raised for quite some time.
