IT News
Imphal, Mar 10:
In a poignant plea for aid, pig farmers ravaged by the ravages of African Swine Fever in 2023 have beseeched the government for compensation, contending that their entire livelihoods have been decimated by the calamitous outbreak.
Gathering at a solemn press conference held at the Manipur Press Club, a consortium of afflicted pig farmers implored the Chief Minister, N Biren Singh, and pertinent governmental entities to provide redress for their profound losses.
Ningthoujam Sanjoy, a member of pig farming community, lamented, “In the bleak months of October and November 2023, the relentless onslaught of African Swine Fever obliterated a staggering 90 percent of Manipur’s swine population. The dearth of locally sourced pork in Manipur now forces reliance on imports from neighboring regions.”
With unwavering resolve, the collective called upon the Manipur CM to institute comprehensive policies aimed at safeguarding the interests of pig farmers, ensuring the preservation of their cherished livelihoods. Sanjoy elucidated, “Our sustenance hinged upon the husbandry of pigs, yet the insidious grip of swine fever has left us destitute, bereft of means to provide for our families and nurture our children’s education. As swine fever defies remedy, we implore the government to enact preventive measures to avert future tragedies.”
Underscoring the dire financial predicament confronting many in the farming fraternity, Sanjoy added, “Scores of pig farmers find themselves shackled by the burden of loans incurred for sustenance. We beseech the Government to alleviate our plight by waiving the burdensome interest accrued, extending a lifeline to these distressed agrarians.”
