SHILLONG, Sep 1: Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong on Wednesday informed that the Rural Backyard Piggery Scheme of National Livestock Mission aims to bridge the gap between demand and supply within Meghalaya.
Tynsong was speaking during a programme for the distribution of piglets under the scheme at Tynring, East Khasi Hills.
Tynsong, in his address, lauded the Animal Husbandry & Veterinary department for coming up with this initiative, stating that it will benefit the poorest of the poor in Meghalaya.
He also informed that under this initiative, three female piglets and one male piglet will be provided free of cost to a total of 500 beneficiaries under Mawryngkneng constituency.
In case the pig dies within a period of one month, the government will replace the same with a new piglet, Tynsong said.
Stating that the demand for pork in the state is high, he said that 18,000 metric tonnes is consumed by the people in Meghalaya annually.
Informing that over 10,000 metric tonnes has to be imported from outside the state, he said the prime aim of this initiative is to bridge the demand-supply gap in Meghalaya.
Others who were part of the programme include Mawryngkneng MLA Pyniaid Sing Syiem, Principal Secretary AH&Veterinary GHP Raju, among others.
