ZUNHEBOTO, SEPTEMBER 10 (MExN): The Zunheboto Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ZCCI) has appealed to the Nagaland Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services to introduce a dedicated pig insurance scheme in view of the recurring outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) that has severely affected farmers and entrepreneurs in the district.
In a representation to the Department, the Chamber stated that pig rearing is a common practice among almost all households in the district, with many families primarily dependent on the income generated from pig sales. The recurring ASF outbreaks, coupled with the absence of a vaccine or cure, have devastated household economies, particularly among poorer families, it said.
The ZCCI further pointed out that while the Chief Minister’s Micro Finance Scheme has encouraged entrepreneurship, with many opting for piggery projects due to high demand and resource availability, most farms have become non-viable due to ASF. Farmers are under increasing financial distress, compounded by the burden of loan repayments, it added.
Calling the situation “deeply grieving for the common public,” the Chamber urged the Department to collaborate with insurance companies and introduce a pig insurance scheme to safeguard farmers from losses and revive the local economy.
