Meghalaya farmers demand ASF compensation and loan waivers

The Hill Farmers Union (HFU) met with Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma to demand compensation for farmers affected by an African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak and the waiver of loans under the Piggery Mission.

During the meeting, HFU President Commander Shangpliang presented four primary demands: strengthening checkpoints, establishing health check-up and quarantine centers, providing compensation to affected farmers, and waiving Piggery Mission loans. While the Chief Minister expressed openness to improving checkpoints and quarantine facilities, he indicated difficulty regarding financial compensation and loan waivers, stating he would discuss these matters internally with departmental officials.

The HFU attributed the outbreak to the unregulated movement of pigs into the state without proper health screenings. The union alleged that the lack of veterinary checkpoints has allowed infected animals to enter, and warned of further protests if the government refuses to provide financial relief to the piggery sector.