EMN
Dimapur, April 24
Expressing concern that the huge amount of money is being spend every year by the Nagas for import of meat from outside the state, Minister of Planning and Coordination, TR Zeliang said target will be set to cut down the import rate of meat and meat products, especially pork from outside the state to zero level by 2020. In this connection, the minister has called upon the livestock farmers and entrepreneurs to join hand and strive for self sufficiency of meat in the State so as to salvage the money going outside for economic uplift of the people.
Addressing the inaugural session of the two day State level progromme on promotion of pig based integrated farming system at IMC Hall, Dimapur, on April 23, the minister said during the last Eleventh Plan Period, the State government could slashed down the import rate of meat from 63.10% to 36.90% by implementing various piggery, poultry and goatery schemes and through the active participation of the marginal and commercial livestock farmers. He said the amount of money spend on meat in the last one and half decade was Rs 375.00 crores annually as per the sample survey report of the Veterinary Department, but now it has come down to Rs 215 crores.
TR Zeliang also said that the quantum of import of animal husbandry product has reduced from 338.2 metric ton to 17. 10 metric ton, which is valued at Rs 148.94 crores at current price. Moreover, internal domestic production has recorded an increasing trend of 67.48 metric ton which is valued at Rs 991.95 crores as per sample survey report 2013-14.“However, inspite of the increased of internal domestic production the challenge before us is how to zero down this 17.10 MT which is valued at Rs 148.94 crores and become self sufficient state,” However, asserting that to meet this challenge the efforts of government and farmers alone is not enough, the said it require the concerted efforts of all agri and allied departments and other private agency and NGOs.
TR Zeliang disclosed the gathering that the demand of pork is going to be increased with India’s economic liberalization policy and declaration of pork as official in India. Stating that rearing animals is an integral part of every Naga household, he said production of meat for self sufficiency should not be a problem.
“We can become a major meat producing state not only for self consumption but also for export to outside world. And for state like Nagaland where other resources are limited, meat productions can be a main sources of economic activity and employment, especially for youths,” he said. He added once that Nagas put a sincere efforts, a time will come when Nagaland can even patent their own pork under the brand name “Naga Pork.”
“But the setback is that though pork remain favourite meat of the Nagas and in spite of its high demand, Nagas never attempted to increase its productions through scientific and modern system, but still practices only traditional and primitive method of backyard rearing. This method can produce meat only for occasional family consumption or festival but not for commercial purposes,” he said.
He emphasized on scientific method of pig rearing and providing hygienic meat production. The problem confronting pig farmers is the high cost of feeds and insufficient vaccine during epidemic, he said and called upon the gathering especially, the scientists to bring out a remedy to this problem.
He also suggested that all unproductive government farms in various districts and sub-division should be done away with to reduce unnecessary expenditures, and instead use money to set up good animal health care facilities in the State.
“Government is committed to enhance meat productions and provide wholesome meat provided people are willing to take advantage of the opportunity with utmost sincerity and dedication,” he added.
