The Himachal state government is implementing the Rural Backyard Pig Development Scheme to give an alternative source of income. Pig breeders would be provided with pig units consisting of three high-yielding young female pigs and one male pig at a 95% subsidy, with the beneficiary bearing just 5% of the cost.
It is a centrally sponsored scheme with a 90% contribution from the Centre and a 5% state share. Under the scheme, landless, small, and marginal farmers of the state, belonging to all categories are eligible to avail benefits of the scheme, said a spokesperson of the state government here today.
However, preference would be given to farmers belonging to below poverty line (BPL) families, unemployed Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, women, and general category persons and at least 30 percent of beneficiaries will be women.
Furthermore, preference will be given to families that do not have a member working in the government sector, as well as individuals or farmers who have built their own pig sheds or built under MGNREGA.
Pig units from neighboring states are placed under the scheme. Eligible farmers can submit their demands through Veterinary Officers, and beneficiaries are selected on a first-come, first-served basis.
According to the 20th Livestock Census, concluded in 2019, there were 2,124 pigs in the state in 2019-20. A target to set up 1,995 pig units with an expenditure of Rs.397.95 lakh was set for 2021-22 and the work for the same is in progress, said the spokesperson.
Livestock breeding is critical to the economy's long-term viability, and the state government has urged livestock breeders to adopt pig rearing as an alternative source of income. Pig rearing is a profitable business since pig meat (pork), a source of protein, is in high demand both in the nation as well as abroad. Pigs are prolific breeders. Moreover, pig fat, skin, hair, and bones are used to make luxury items.
Women Will Make Up to 30% of the Beneficiaries
-
Under the Rural Backyard Pig Development Scheme, pig breeders will be provided with pig units consisting of three high-yielding young female pigs and one male pig at a 95% subsidy, with the beneficiary bearing just 5% of the cost.
-
Farmers from below-poverty-line (BPL) families, unemployed Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, women, and general category people would be given precedence, and at least 30% of beneficiaries will be women.
