Recently, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma launched an ambitious flagship program – “Rural Backyard Piggery Scheme” for farmers under National Livestock Mission at Birnihat in Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya.

• The objective of this scheme is to ensure that farmers earn a sustainable livelihood through various animal husbandry activities.
• Meghalaya receives 18,000 metric tonnes of pork from various states and there is acute shortage in supply and demand, the state is planning to bridge the supply shortfall through pig farming scheme.
• Under the Phase 1 of this scheme the government has earmarked Rs 15.18 crore, under which four high yielding improved varieties of pigs will be distributed to 6000 families and an additional Rs 25 crore will be earmarked for starting the second phase of the programme.