SHILLONG: The Hill Farmers Union (HFU), joined by affected pig rearers, staged a dramatic protest in Shillong on Thursday, bringing livestock onto the streets to highlight the devastating impact of African Swine Fever (ASF) across Meghalaya.
The union accused government inaction and organized corruption of fueling the outbreak, which has affected over 1,200 families statewide.
HFU General Secretary Alfonbirth Kharsyntiew said the ASF crisis was triggered by the government’s failure to enforce mandatory livestock screening at designated checkposts, as required by the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department’s SOP dated August 10, 2023.
HFU’s investigation found no functioning checkposts in Ri Bhoi District’s critical transit corridor, allowing infected animals to enter the state unchecked.
The union also exposed an alleged extortion racket at Byrnihat police outpost, where livestock trucks are detained and drivers forced to pay illegal fees—ranging from Rs 4,000 to Rs 15,000—before being allowed to proceed.
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HFU has called on the Ri Bhoi Deputy Commissioner to issue an immediate ban on such collections and threatened intensified protests if not addressed.
The rally also focused on the financial crisis facing farmers involved in government piggery schemes.
Many, unable to repay loans due to mass stock losses, are demanding a complete waiver of Piggery Mission loans, compensation for losses, and the urgent adoption of a comprehensive agriculture policy—a demand pending since 2018.
HFU is compiling detailed district-wise data on the ASF outbreak and has pledged to continue pressing the government for immediate intervention and systemic reform.
(4FrontMedia news)
