SHILLONG:
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong distributed piglets to beneficiaries under the Rural Backyard Piggery Scheme of the National Livestock Mission at a programme held on September 1 at Tynring in Mawryngkneng, East Khasi Hills District.
Speaking on the occasion, Tynsong lauded the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department for coming up with the initiative which will benefit the poorest of the poor and also boost their livelihoods. The scheme is part of the Prosperity of Grassroot Families through Livestock Interventions.
He also informed that under the initiative, one male and three female piglets will be given free of cost for breeding purposes to 500 beneficiaries under Mawryngkneng constituency.
In case a pig dies within a period of one month from when it was received, Tynsong said the government will replace it with a new piglet. He further urged the beneficiaries to take proper care of the piglets and to consult the doctors periodically so as to avoid any such incident from happening.
Stating that the demand for pork in the state in high, he said that 18,000 metric tonnes is consumed by the people in the state annually and more than 10,000 metric tonnes have to be imported from outside the state. “So the main aim of this initiative is to bridge the gap between demand and supply within Meghalaya,” he informed.
Others who spoke at the event included Pyniaid Sing Syiem, MLA Mawryngkneng Constituency, GHP Raju, Principal Secretary AH&Veterinary, Dr Manjunatha C, Secretary AH&Veterinary, and others.