50% gap between supply and demand
Morung Express News
Kohima | November 8
Despite substantial demand, there has been a 19.6% decline in pig population (as per the Livestock Census in 2020) due to lack of breeding programmes giving rise to a 50% gap between supply and demand.
This was informed by Dr Vinato Chishi while speaking as one of the resource persons at the campus awareness programme held on ‘Selection of Breeding Gilts and Boarlings’ on November 8 at Medziphema.
Dr Chishi also highlighted on the benefits of artificial insemination in pig farming, which enhances the quality and productivity of pigs by accessing superior genetics.
In Nagaland, he said the traditional method of backyard rearing is slow, relying solely on natural mating and a single boar for nearby villages, thereby creating a huge gap between demand and supply.
Towards this end, Dr Chishi proposed that Nagaland needs improved germplasm and scientific rearing techniques to support successful breeding programmes.
Another resource person, Tsarila ZT Sangtam, a Ph.D. scholar from NU:SAS, shared on the process of selecting breeding gilts (female pigs) and boarlings (male pigs) to enhance breeding programmes and herd productivity.
She outlined the considerations, including physical attributes and temperament, as well as the use of performance data such as birth and weaning weights and litter sizes.
Sangtam further emphasised on the importance of choosing healthy animals with well-functioning reproductive organs, specifically gilts with seven functional pairs of teats, or five pairs for local breeds, and boarlings with seven pairs of rudimentary teats.
Meanwhile, Principal of VFATI, Medziphema, Dr H Inato in his address highlighted the paramount importance of agriculture and related fields.
He emphasized on the significance of upholding professional ethics and standards in every profession.
With huge demand of red meat in the state, Dr Inato stressed on the importance of adopting livestock rearing methods that align with Nagaland's meat demands, aiming to reduce the substantial spending on meat imports. The session concluded with a visit to the institute's AICRP on Pig farm.
The programme was organised by ICAR-All India Co-ordinated Research Project on Pig (AICRP on Pig), Department of Livestock Production Management, NU:SAS Medziphema for the trainees of Veterinary Field Assistant Training Institute (VFATI).
