JOWAI:
Minister in charge Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Department AL Hek inaugurated the Bi-Species Abattoir (Slaughter House) in Demthring, West Jaiñtia Hills, on December 19.
Amlarem MLA Lahkmen Rymbui and Jowai MLA Wailadmiki Shylla graced the occasion as the guest of honour and the special guest, respectively, alongside SC Sadhu, Secretary of the AH & Veterinary Department.
During his keynote address, WMW Kongwir, Deputy Director (Planning), revealed that the NABARD-funded slaughterhouse, with a sanctioned cost of ₹7.83 crores, received ₹7.10 crores, and the remaining funds are yet to be disbursed. The facility is designed to accommodate 50 cattle and 100 hogs daily.
Minister Hek expressed his desire to present the Modern Bi-Species Abattoir as a Christmas gift to Demthring village and the people of West Jaiñtia Hills. “We want to make this project operational and functional. Any improvement in the future particularly machines, the AH & Veterinary department will look into the matter,” he said.
He envisioned the potential for the site to become a tourist attraction, urging collaboration between the Butcher Association, the Dorbar Shnong, and the Veterinary Department to uphold its beauty and cleanliness.
MLA Shylla encouraged Butcher Associations in West Jaiñtia Hills not to lose hope despite potential future improvements. He also urged farmers to raise more livestock, leveraging various government schemes for increased production.
MLA Rymbui expressed happiness at inaugurating the project for the benefit of butchers, expressing hope that the initiative would lead to the availability of quality meat in local markets. He encouraged farmers to capitalise on government schemes to boost local meat production.