Artificial insemination (AI) in pigs (Credit: ICAR Nagaland
Centre)
- KOHIMA — The
adoption of artificial insemination (AI) technology in pigs is ‘gaining
momentum’ in Nagaland, according to the ICAR Nagaland Centre.
- This was highlighted as one of the latest ‘success stories’
of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) on Friday.
- The ICAR Complex for North Eastern Hill Region, Nagaland
Centre, Medziphema, in its report, stated that it has successfully scaled up AI
technology for pigs in Nagaland and Assam.
- Since 2016-17, the centre has inseminated 6,120 pigs across
5,791 farms, producing 43,243 piglets with average litter sizes ranging from
8.28 to 10.06.
- In addition, 23 entrepreneurs have been trained in AI in
Dimapur, Kohima, Peren, Chümoukedima, and Phek districts.
- The ICAR has been implementing the All India Coordinated
Research Project on pigs at the ICAR Nagaland Centre, Medziphema, since 2009
with an aim at improving pig productivity through the introduction of superior
pig germplasm. The artificial insemination technology was developed and standardised
for local farmers as part of this initiative.
- “While less than 0.01% of breedable female pigs in India are
bred through AI due to infrastructure and policy limitations, its adoption in
Nagaland has gained momentum as farmers have seen positive results. AI reduces
disease transmission risk, enables rapid genetic improvement, and reduces the
need for breeding boars. This technology is now in high demand among farmers,”
it stated.
- Stating that AI technology in pigs holds great promise for
improving sustainable pig production in the region, it noted that there is an
urgent need to transfer this technology to every district.
