Raphael Warjri

The Hill Farmers Union has warned of further agitation if the State Government fails to compensate pig farmers affected by the outbreak of African Swine Fever or ASF.

The warning followed a meeting between Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma and an HFU delegation led by its president Commander Shangpliang, days after the union staged a peaceful rally in Shillong to highlight the impact of the ASF outbreak.

Commander Shangpliang said the delegation raised demands for effective veterinary checkpoints, health screening and quarantine centres, compensation for affected farmers and waiver of loans taken under the Piggery Mission.

On the proposed checkpoints and quarantine facilities, he said the Chief Minister had agreed to examine the matter but had given no specific assurance on their implementation.

On compensation and loan waiver, Shangpliang said the Chief Minister had expressed difficulties but agreed to discuss the matter with officials of the concerned department. He added that the HFU had made it clear that it would not remain silent if compensation was denied.

The HFU also alleged that the spread of ASF was linked to the unchecked movement of pigs from outside the State, claiming that the absence of effective veterinary checkpoints had allowed animals to enter Meghalaya without proper health screening.

The union also discussed the proposed Agriculture Policy. Shangpliang said the draft policy was available on the government website for public feedback and urged farmers to submit their suggestions. He said the Chief Minister had indicated that the policy could be approved in October.