Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has said that the state through “Progress” scheme envisions to tap opportunities by ensuring that the farmers earn sustainable livelihood through different livestock farming activities.

Launching the ambitious flagship programme for farmers - Rural Backyard Piggery Scheme under National Livestock Mission at Byrnihat in Ri-Bhoi, the Chief Minister said that the Government through different welfare schemes is successfully providing income generation opportunities and economic prosperity for the farmers.

He informed that Meghalaya acquires 18,000 MT of pork from different states and there is huge shortfall in supply and demand and through the piggery scheme the State envisions to address the shortage of pork supply.

He informed that the flagship programme “Progress” has been conceptualised by the govt to ensure prosperity of grassroot families through livestock intervention which includes piggery, poultry, goatry, etc.

Under Rural Backyard Piggery Scheme - phase 1, Government has earmarked ₹ 15.18 crore under which 4 high yielding improved varieties will be distributed to 6000 families.

The Chief Minister informed that additional ₹25 crore will be earmarked to roll out the second phase of the programme.

To make the State self-sufficient in pork, the Government is implementing one of the largest piggery development programmes, the ‘Meghalaya Piggery Mission’.

Under this mission zero interest loan is provided for setting up of fattening and pig breeding. So far 250 piggery cooperative societies have availed loans amounting to Rs 43.67 crore.

To further exploit the potential of the piggery sector, the Government had launched the “Rural Backyard Piggery Scheme” funded by the Central Government under National Livestock Mission and also the State Government.

The scheme was launched on August 10 in Samanda block in East Garo Hills. The scheme received a good response and  appreciation from farmers.

Under this scheme 4 piglets, 3 female and 1 male piglets will be distributed to farmers to promote pig breeding to provide regular income to farmers. This livestock package is worth 25,000 per beneficiary. This scheme is envisaged to benefit 6000 poor and marginal farmers and also increase pork production in the State.