Shillong: Pig farmers in Swer and Mawrah under the 12 Shnong-Laitkroh Block of East Khasi Hills are facing growing challenges as demand for pigs declines, disease outbreaks persist and the cost of feed continues to rise.
Pig farming has traditionally been an important source of livelihood for families in the area, but farmers say the business has become increasingly difficult in recent months.
Ermain Rani, a pig farmer from Mawrah-Rangtmah who has been in the trade since 2014, said pig farming requires significant time, hard work and investment before farmers can see returns.
Over the years, Rani has expanded his farm to around 24 pig pens, raising both breeding sows and pigs for meat.
However, he said demand has fallen sharply in recent months, with the sector particularly affected by African Swine Fever (ASF) and the entry of pigs from outside the state.
Rani said he does not oppose the import of pigs from outside Meghalaya, but stressed the need for proper testing facilities and regular monitoring to prevent the spread of diseases.
He also shares his experience and knowledge with other farmers after undergoing training himself.
Despite the challenges, Rani said pig farming has provided his family with a stable livelihood and remains a trade he is determined to continue.
Another farmer, Lurshai Dohling of Mawrah, said his association with pig farming began during his childhood, when he helped rear pigs at his mother’s home.
After becoming an adult, he received financial support from his mother to start his own pig-rearing venture.
Dohling identified the high cost of pig feed as one of the biggest challenges facing farmers, with much of the feed brought in from outside Meghalaya.
He urged the government to consider establishing a pig-feed manufacturing plant in the state, saying local production could reduce costs and make pig farming more viable for farmers.
For pig farmers in Swer and Mawrah, the message is clear: better disease control, stronger regulation of outside pig supplies and affordable locally produced feed are crucial if the sector is to remain a sustainable source of livelihood.
