Govt to pay compensation to livestock farmers affected by ASF

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 8, 2021

The state government is considering to release compensation to livestock farmers affected by the death of pigs due to African Swine Fever (ASF) in the state. “The department is working out…and very soon (such farmers) will be compensated accordingly,” Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong assured while replying in the Assembly on Monday. 

The assurance also came after Congress legislator from Umroi, George B Lyngdoh requested the state government to pay compensation to farmers affected by the huge economic loss due to the disease.

Earlier, Tynsong informed that a total of 540 pigs are affected due to African Swine Fever with effect from June 25, last year to February this year. 

Of this, 298 are in Ri Bhoi district, 96 West Jaintia Hills, 69 are in East Khasi Hills district, 59 West Khasi Hills, 11 South West Khasi Hills and 7 East Jaintia Hills.

He said the state government has spent a total of 15.87 lakh for tackling the effects of the African Swine Fever in these affected districts. 

The deputy chief minister also informed that Rs 2.38 lakh was also spent for taking up various activities to prevent spread of the disease. 

The other measures taken include conduct of awareness, sanitization, regular check-up, providing free treatment and devising action plan for relaxation of restriction for ASFcontrol.