SHILLONG, Feb 20: The Opposition MLAs on Thursday cornered the Meghalaya government on the death of piglets due to African Swine Fever (ASF) and the absence of a State Veterinary Office.
Raising a question, Mawhati MLA Charles Marngar lamented that several farmers have suffered huge losses as many of their piglets died of ASF and even sought compensation from the government.
Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister, AL Hek, responding to the motion raised by the Mawhati MLA, said that there is a component of insurance in the ‘Piggery Mission’, which prevents beneficiaries to be compensated.
Informing that the loan period under the Mission is eight years, Hek told the House that an insurance amount of Rs 4,000 per piglet is given as compensation to the farmers who have lost their piglets to disease.
Taking part in the debate, Nongthymmai MLA Charles Pyngope urged the government to call the meeting of the State Animal Welfare Board to discuss matters pertaining to the death of piglets in the state.
Leader of Opposition, Ronnie V Lyngdoh suggested that the government should set up a Veterinary Hospital in the state.
On this, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma intervened in the debate and informed the house that the government has received a sanction of Rs 30 crore under PM-DevINE scheme for the state veterinary hospital to be set up at Upper Shillong.
