Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday 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 the farmers - Rural Backyard Piggery Scheme” under National Livestock Mission at Byrnihat in Ri-Bhoi, the Chief Minister said that the Govt through different welfare schemes is successfully providing income generation opportunities and economic prosperity of the farmers.

He informed that Meghalaya acquires 18,000 MT of pork from different State and their 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, Govt has earmarked ₹ 15.18 cr under which 4 high yielding improved variety will be distributed to 6000 families.

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

Additional Information:
To make State self sufficient in pork, Government is implementing one of the largest piggery development programme 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 loan amounting to 43.67 crore.

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

The scheme was launched on 10th August 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 farmer. This livestock package is worth of 25,000 per beneficiary. This scheme is envisaged to benefit 6000 poor and marginal farmers and also increase pork production in the State.

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