The Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), governing a region of significant pig population in Assam, India, is set to establish the country’s first pig schools. In collaboration with the Danish Consortium of Academic Craftsmanship (DCAC) and Dalum Landbrugsskole, the BTC aims to capitalize on the growing demand for pork in the northeast region and establish Bodoland as a piggery hub.
The Birth of the Idea:
The concept of pig schools emerged shortly after the launch of the Bodoland Pig Mission in September 2021. The mission aimed to tap into the vast markets of the northeast region and neighboring Bhutan. Assam’s Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister highlighted that Assam alone holds 15.89% of India’s total pig population, making it a favorable location for the piggery industry.
Objectives and Approach:
The long-term objective of the Bodoland Pig Mission is to bridge the gap between pork production levels and the growing demand in the region. The annual demand for pork in the northeast stands at 3 lakh metric tonnes, while the current production falls short at less than 1 lakh metric tonnes. To address this, the BTC plans to transition from backyard pig farming to scientific and commercial farming.
Implementing the Pig Schools:
Drawing inspiration from the Folk School concept practiced by Dalum Landbrugsskole and similar institutions, the pig schools in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) will focus on training, technology demonstrations, and skill-building. By adopting modern farming practices and improving farmers’ knowledge and skills, the BTC aims to enhance pork production and meet the growing demand.
Empowering Farmers:
The BTC’s Pig Mission aims to empower around 8-10 lakh families, primarily tribal communities, involved in backyard pig farming. The mission encourages them to shift towards scientific and commercial farming methods. Additionally, approximately 6,000 commercial farmers in the BTC and the rest of Assam who own 10 or more pigs will benefit from the pig schools and the training they provide.
Ambitious Targets and Investments:
The Bodoland Pig Mission sets ambitious targets, aiming to produce 1 lakh kilograms of meat per day. To achieve this, around 5,500 farmers were identified for specialized training in biosecurity and other aspects of piggery. During the 2022-23 period, the BTC authorities invested Rs 17 crore in providing biosecurity kits, disinfectants, spray machines, and boots to over 150 farmers in each of the four districts. This investment aims to enhance the overall efficiency and productivity of pig farming in the region.
The Road to Sustainability:
With the establishment of pig schools, the BTC’s flagship mission is heading in the right direction. The comprehensive approach, involving training, technology adoption, and support for commercial farming, makes the mission more sustainable. By empowering farmers and improving production practices, the BTC aims to position Bodoland as a leading piggery hub, meeting the region’s pork demand and boosting the livelihoods of local communities.