Dimapur: Minister for Planning and Coordination, T.R. Zeliang has said that a target needs to be set, to cut down the import rate of meat and meat products, especially pork, from outside the state to zero level by 2020. Expressing concern that a large amount of money is being spent every year by Nagas for importing meat from outside the state, the Minister called upon livestock farmers and entrepreneurs to unite and strive for self sufficiency of meat in the state. This, he said, was essential to salvage the money going outside, and rather use it for the economic uplift of the people.
Set target for Zero import of meat by 2020, says TR Zeliang
Addressing the inaugural session of the two day state level programme on promotion of pig based integrated farming system at IMC Hall Dimapur, the Minister informed that during the Eleventh Plan Period, the Nagaland state government had slashed down the import rate of meat from 63.10% to 36.90%. This was done by implementing various piggery, poultry and goatery schemes and through the active participation of the marginal and commercial livestock farmers. He said that the amount of money spent on meat in the last one and half decade was Rs 375.00 Crores annually, as per the sample survey report of the veterinary department. However, he said that now it has come down to Rs 215 Crores.
Zeliang also said that the quantum of import of Animal Husbandry product has reduced from 338.2 matric Ton to 17. 10 matric ton, which is valued at Rs 148.94 Crores at the current price. Moreover, internal domestic production has recorded an increasing trend of 67.48 matric ton, which is valued at Rs 991.95 Crores as per sample survey report 2013-14, he added.
“However, inspite of increased internal domestic production, the challenge before us is how to zero down this 17.10 MT, which is valued at Rs 148.94 crores, and become self sufficient state,” the Minister said. He asserted that to meet this challenge, the efforts of the government and the farmers alone is not enough. It will require the concerted efforts of all agri and allied departments and other private agency and NGOs, he said.
Zeliang further disclosed that the demand for pork is going to increase, with India’s economic liberalization policy. He stated that rearing animals is an integral part of every Naga household and therefore, the production of meat for self sufficiency should not be a problem. “We can become a major meat producing state, not only for self sufficiency but we can also produce for export to the outside world. And for state like Nagaland, where other resources are limited, meat productions can be a main sources of economic activity and employment, especially for youths,” he said. The Minister added that once Nagas put in sincere efforts, a time will come when Nagaland can even patent their own pork under the brand name “Naga Pork”.
However, he lamented that though pork remains high in demand, Nagas have been unable to increase their production through scientific approaches, but still practice only “traditional and primitive methods of backyard rearing.” “This method can produce meat only for occasional family consumption or festival but not for commercial purposes,” he stated.
He emphasized on scientific methods of pig rearing and the need for hygienic meat production. The problem confronting pig farmers is the high cost of feeds and insufficient vaccine during epidemics; he said and called upon the gathering, especially scientists, to bring out a remedy to this problem.
He also suggested that all unproductive government farms in various districts and sub-division should be done away with in order to reduce unnecessary expenditures, and instead use money to set up good animal health care facilities in the state.
“The government is committed to enhance meat productions and provide wholesome meat, provided people are willing to take advantage of the opportunity with utmost sincerity and dedication”, he added.
