Kohima: African Swine Fever is hitting Wokha hard. The virus killed 374 pigs, costing local farmers more than Rs 1.04 crore. These losses centered on Wokha Town, Wokha Village, Pangti, Baghty, and Chukitong.
District officials revealed a much bigger problem during Tuesday's DISHA meeting. Wokha faces an annual meat deficit of 1,649.55 metric tonnes. This gap carries a price tag of Rs 36.64 crore. Local production sits at just over 1,964 metric tonnes against a total demand of 3,614 metric tonnes.
Veterinary officials are pushing new tech to bridge the divide. An artificial insemination project launched in October 2024 has already produced 1,350 piglets with an 81 percent success rate. Chief Veterinary Officer K N Zubemo Humtsoe stated, "The programme aims to improve the availability of superior piglets and reduce disease transmission."
Agriculture and labor officials also flagged operational hurdles. Road access to Ralan Block remains a major headache for field staff. Workers there must detour through three different districts to reach their destination. Meanwhile, shifting to Aadhaar-based payments for farm benefits is burning through time and manpower.
Labor departments noted that reaching workers remains difficult due to the local reliance on farming. While the Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board registered 1,788 people, only 763 remain active. The committee also probed BSNL connectivity woes and the lack of indigenous staff in postal roles. Chairperson Supongmeren Jamir promised to elevate these systemic issues to higher levels for immediate intervention.
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