INDIGENOUS PIG PRODUCTION IN RURAL AREAS OF MIZORAM

Abstract

Livestock keeping is embedded to the culture it is an integral part of the people of Mizoram, amongst which pig is the most favourite and the highest demand but with a very low level of supply within the area. Especially in the rural areas where 48.49 percent(Economic survey Mizoram 2012 - 2013) of the population dwells where pig keeping is akin to their household activity as a supplementary to their agricultural yields. Despite the productivity of the farms in Mizoram, the reason leading to the shortage of supply can be credited to the rise in population, increasing in the economy raising the buying power of the people. Largely availability of Burmese piglets at lower rate in the market and at the streets, knocking out the chances of local and the exotic breeds and apparently the small sized farms causes low production. In order to enhance production, control of imports at certain level is essential. With more awareness in the investment opportunities and the development factor in this sector by the higher capacity income group and people with more potential could be a vital factor. The awareness of such and the like facilities is again an essential element from the Government. The people must be given more awareness about the current situation stating the importance of giving importance to value the local Pigs rather than the Burmese pigs. When higher level educated people get engagement in pig production sector, there is a much prospect of rising the swine production as well as income with higher education, more awareness and scope in this matter would be very much advisable.