Shillong: The Hills Farmers Union is pushing the state government for financial relief after African Swine Fever killed off local pig stocks. The outbreak hammered farmers over the past three months. HFU leaders toured villages in the Shiliang Um Rilang area, including Nongbrei Nongdom, Mawthong, Mawsep, Rangblang, and Umdohlun, to gauge the damage.
Farmers report massive financial hits. Many lost at least Rs 2 lakh each as their livestock died. The union blames the outbreak on pigs brought in from outside the state without health checks. HFU president Commander Shangpliang blasted the MDA-II government for skipping testing protocols at entry points like Byrnihat despite constant warnings from the union.
"The state government must compensate the farmers for their losses. They have the right to demand this because the government failed them by ignoring the need for testing centres," Shangpliang said. He compared the current plight to government payments made for damaged vehicles in Shillong, arguing that farmers deserve equal treatment.
The mass deaths threaten long-term economic targets. Officials aimed for a 10 billion dollar economy by 2028. Shangpliang warned that millions in assets are now rotting in the ground. The HFU central body ordered all units to list every affected farmer. They still demand better veterinary staffing, widespread vaccines, and permanent testing facilities at state borders.
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