Shillong, Sept 14: The Hill Farmers Union (HFU) on Monday warned of stir if
the government does not compensate piggery farmers affected by African Swine Fever (ASF).
The HFU met the Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, who was not positive in granting compensation and waiving loans under the Piggery Mission.
The meeting was held between the chief minister and the HFU delegation led by its president Commander Shangpliang
The union recently protested carrying pigs in the capital demanding intervention over the ASF outbreak.
“We recently took out a peaceful rally regarding the outbreak of African Swine Fever. Following that, we were invited by the chief minister’s office and we met him. We discussed specific points – stepping up of checkpoints, setting up of health checkup and quarantine centres, compensation and waiver of loans under the Piggery Mission,” Shangpliang told reporters after the meeting.
The chief minister has shown difficulty in giving compensation and waiving loans, but he said he will discuss internally with officers of the department,” Shangpliang said.
The union, however reiterated that it will not remain silent if compensation is denied.
“We have stressed that compensation should be paid to piggery farmers. We will just not keep quiet if the government does not compensate,” Shangpliang said.
He pointed out that the outbreak of the African Swine Fever is due to unregulated import of pig.
According to Shangpliang, in the absence of proper veterinary checkpoints, pigs are being allowed to enter the state without health screening.
“We feel the outbreak is because of pigs brought into the state without proper health checkups. Had there been health checkups, infected pigs could have been detected and quarantined. Due to non-availability of health checkup checkpoints, police are conducting checks and collecting money while allowing pigs to enter freely without any health checkup,” he added.
