Meghalaya pig farmers protest African Swine Fever outbreak

Pig farmers in Meghalaya, India, held a protest march in Shillong to demand government action following an outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF). The disease has reportedly killed thousands of pigs, impacting over 1,200 families across the state.

The Hills Farmers Union (HFU) organized the rally, marching from Civil Hospital to Malki Ground. Farmers expressed frustration over the government's failure to enforce existing standard operating procedures, which include mandatory animal-health screening and the use of designated checkposts for pigs entering the state. The union alleged that the absence of these checkpoints, particularly along the Jorabat route, has allowed the disease to spread.

In addition to demanding the establishment of quarantine facilities and checkpoints, the union called for financial assistance and compensation for farmers who have suffered total losses. They also requested loan waivers for beneficiaries of the Piggery Mission who are now unable to repay interest-free loans due to the loss of their livestock. The protesters further alleged that police and miscreants have been involved in illegal money collection from vehicles transporting pigs.