As the world’s fourth-largest pork producer, with approximately 9 million pigs, India’s pork industry plays a crucial yet often overlooked role in the nation’s economic landscape. However, as the world celebrates National Pig Day, it serves as an opportunity for reflection on the resilience of India’s pig farming community, particularly in the wake of the African Swine Fever (ASF) crisis.
The Heavy Economic Toll of ASF
The economic consequences of ASF have been severe. Since the disease was first detected in Northeast, the total economic losses in the pig farming industry due to ASF outbreaks from 2020 to 2024 were estimated at Rs. 80 crores across the region. These losses include direct costs and indirect costs. The crisis has disrupted not just farmers but entire supply chains, affecting feed mills, transport companies, and processing facilities.
The Struggles of Small-Scale Farmers
What makes this situation even more concerning is that most pig farmers in India are small-scale backyard operators, not large commercial enterprises. For example, in Mizoram, over 19,017 families have been affected, with financial losses exceeding ₹132.20 crore. While America has a booming pig farming, India’s pig farmers are fighting for survival and recognition.
Government Measures and the Road Ahead
The Indian government has implemented proactive measures to address the crisis, including culling infected pigs, imposing quarantines, strengthening biosecurity protocols, and enhancing surveillance programs. However, the informal nature of the pork industry poses challenges in enforcing and ensuring compliance with these measures. To address this, farmers need to be trained to establish and adhere to biosecurity standards independently. Key practices include restricting farm access, requiring visitors to use protective equipment, and maintaining strict hygiene protocols.
Providing pigs with high-quality, nutrient-dense feed is also essential. A well-balanced diet, rich in essential nutrients, significantly strengthens pigs’ immune systems, enhancing their resilience to diseases like African Swine Fever (ASF). Proper nutrition not only promotes the overall health and well-being of pigs but also reduces their susceptibility to viral and bacterial infections.
Equally important is government support in raising awareness and assisting farmers in implementing enhanced biosecurity measures. This dual approach—combining traditional control strategies with a strong emphasis on biosecurity, early disease detection, and optimal nutrition—can better equip India to mitigate the economic and social impacts of ASF on its significant pork industry.
Recognizing Pigs as an Economic Lifeline
It’s essential to acknowledge that pigs contribute significantly to India’s rural economy and food security. Moving forward, a comprehensive approach is needed—one that includes training farmers in biosecurity measures, ensuring optimal livestock nutrition, and enforcing stricter trading controls. The contrast between America’s celebratory National Pig Day and India’s current challenges in the pork industry serves as a reminder that while pigs are celebrated in some parts of the world, in others, they represent critical economic lifelines requiring urgent attention and support. Hence let’s extend our recognition to India’s pig farming community and their crucial role in the nation’s agricultural landscape.
By: Capt. (Dr.) A.Y. Rajendra, CEO – Animal Feed Business, Godrej Agrovet
