Government of India on Wednesday allowed transportation of pigs from Punjab and Haryana to Northeastern states for pork consumption purpose. The permission was issued in an official notification by the govt of India.
The notification read, ” It has been decided that movement of pigs from the states of Haryana and Punjab to the Northeastern states is allowed subject to strict compliance of the conditions… to ensure food supply without compromising bio-security and bio safety.
The permission was granted after piggery associations of both the states sent references to the center seeking permission for the transportation for the purpose of consumption of pork.
Commenting on the issue, Atul Bora, Assam Minister of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary tweeted, “I have taken serious note of a GoI directive regarding transportation of pigs from other states to Assam. We are taking all steps to protect the interests of our pig farmers. AH&V officials have been directed to take up the matter with GoI immediately.”
Assam and Arunachal Pradesh have earlier reported unsual mortality of pigs. On May 1, the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal confirmed the outbreak of African Swine Fever in the two states, after samples sent from both the states tested positive. And few regions were marked as epicenter of the disease.
The Northeast Region of India is the largest consumer of pork in the country and this decision by the center has caused a lot of resentment among the pig farmers of the region. These people are already facing huge losses because of the closure of restaurants for a long time.
(Feature image source: The pig site)
