Bokashi Pig Farming and its Benefits for Nagaland Pig Farmers

Pig farming is an integral part of the economy of the people of Nagaland. With the highest per capita pork consumption in India, pork remains the most preferred meat across different tribal communities of this very state. Yet, despite the high demand, local production meets only about 50% of the total requirement, forcing Nagaland to import large quantities of pork from outside the state. Bokashi pig farming is an innovative and eco-friendly method that can bring significant advantages to pig farmers of Nagaland by improving animal health, reducing the odour of the pig faeces, and creating valuable compost from pig waste. By leveraging locally available resources and simple but effective management techniques, Bokashi pig farming can help address the unique challenges faced by rural pig producers in Nagaland.

What is Bokashi Pig Farming?

Bokashi is a Japanese term meaning “fermented organic matter.” In the context of pig farming, Bokashi utilises indigenous microorganisms (IMO) like Lactobacillus bacteria to ferment agro-waste and pig dung within the pig pen, transforming waste products into nutrient-rich compost and maintaining cleaner, healthier conditions for Pigs. For Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) such as Lactobacillus, it can be prepared by washing rice with water and storing the rice-washed water for 1 week at room temperature. After 1 week, the rice water is mixed with fresh milk in a 1:10 ratio. After another week, the mixture is filtered, and jaggery is added in a 1:10 ratio. In this way, LAB is ready to use for the preparation of the Bokashi pig pen.

For the preparation of Indigenous Microorganisms (IMO), rice bran is taken in a bucket and moistened with water. The mixture should contain about 50% moisture and should crack when pressed by hand. Then, a suitable area is selected, the surface is cleared, and a 3–4 inch hole is dug to place the rice bran. Some rice bran is sprinkled around the hole, then covered with dried leaves, greenery, a sack, and again with greenery. The area is checked after 4 days. The presence of fungus indicates the development of IMO.

Next, rice bran and jaggery are mixed together, and a small quantity of IMO is added. The mixture is covered with cloth and kept for 1 week. The prepared IMO can be stored or directly used for the preparation of the Bokashi pen.

The process requires a specially prepared pen. The depth of the floor should be at least 3 feet, with layered flooring consisting of:

·         Sawdust – 40%

·         Rice bran or rice husk – 7%

·         Dried biomass – 20%

·         Good soil – 20%

·         Rice husk charcoal – 10%

The flooring is then sprinkled with black salt and bamboo vinegar, and finally inoculated with IMO. All ingredients are mixed thoroughly, after which water (40–50%) is added. The moisture level should be adequate for IMO multiplication. The floor is levelled and left for 1 week to allow microbial activity.

After this period, pigs can be introduced into the pen. If the pigs appear relaxed and use their snouts to explore the floor, it is a good sign. Regular moisture control of the pen floor, proper ventilation, and feeding pigs with locally available fermented feed and green fodder are necessary to maximise benefits.

Through microbial action, pig dung is efficiently managed and converted into nutrient-rich compost, avoiding foul-smelling and unhygienic slurry.

Benefits for Nagaland Pig Farmers

Odour Control and Hygiene: Bokashi pig pens significantly suppress offensive smells from manure and reduce the presence of flies, leading to a healthier and more pleasant farm environment.

Animal Health: The microbial action improves pigs’ digestion and general health, with reduced need for antibiotics and improved growth rates, producing robust pigs ready for the market in about six months.

Compost Production: Fermented pig waste from Bokashi pens becomes high-quality compost, ideal for use in organic farming and as fish feed, enhancing farm sustainability and circular nutrient cycles. Thus, farmers will benefit not only from selling pork but also manure.

Cost-Effectiveness: Bokashi farming requires minimal additional investment compared toconventional pig farming, focusing on simple shed structures, locally sourced bedding materials (rice husk, straw, sawdust, etc.), and indigenous microorganisms.

Environmental Protection: Bokashi fermentation helps manage pig manure in an eco-friendly fashion, reducing runoff and pollution while contributing to improved soil fertility on surrounding farmland.

Conclusion

Bokashi farming can be adopted by both small holder farmers and also larger pig farms of Nagaland to increase the pork production as well as their rural economy through pig farming for thousands of families. It presents a pathway to higher productivity, improved livestock well-being, lower environmental impact, and greater profitability, making it a valuable strategy for supporting rural livelihoods and sustainable agriculture in this region.

Dr. Rabeya Begam, Dr. Keneisezo Kuotsu and Dr. Lalsangpuii

(The authors are faculty members in the Department Veterinary Parasitology, Department of Veterinary Clinical Complex and Department of Veterinary Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, CAU (I) Jalukie, Peren, Nagaland)