Backyard Pig Farming: Backyard pig farming has become a means of economic strength for the tribal community of Meghalaya 

Backyard pig farming not only provides economic security for them, but it also provides immediate cash facility in times of economic crisis. However, due to pig farming in traditional ways, farmers had to face financial loss. These local pigs were small in size and their growth rate was also low.

Marnagar and Sarikhusi, located in Ri-Bhoi district of North-East State Meghalaya, India, are two such clusters, which include five villages each. The majority of the population of these areas is tribal and their livelihood depends mainly on agriculture.

About 38 percent of the population in these areas is illiterate and about 95 percent are unemployed. In such a situation, the people here traditionally consider pig farming as a major source of their income.

Financial Security from Backyard Pig Farming

Backyard Pig Farming not only provides financial security to them but also provides instant cash flow in times of economic crisis. However, farmers used to face financial losses due to traditional methods of pig farming. These local pigs were small in size and had low growth rate.

Farmers First Project

In view of these challenges, the Farmers First Project was initiated by ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya. The aim of this project was to improve backyard pig farming through scientific methods.

Under this initiative, improved breed of pigs (Hampshire X Local Khasi) were introduced in nine villages namely Borgang, Purangang, Lalampam, Borkhatsari and Nalapara-Joigang in Marnagar cluster and Umtham, Nongagang, Sarikhusi, Mawtnam and Mawphru in Sarikhusi cluster. Piglets were distributed to the farmers and training was also provided as per scientific methods.

The training included better housing arrangements, balanced diet, breeding and health care measures. Artificial insemination techniques were also taught to these farmers. This could increase productivity.

Success Story of Mrinal Sokhwai

The most inspiring example of this project is tribal Mrinal Sokhwai. Mrinal ji, a resident of Borkhatsari village, was an unemployed youth whose family was dependent on agriculture. He used to rear pigs in the traditional way earlier, but due to the low productivity of the local breeds, he was not able to make much profit.

In August 2017, Mrinal ji was given 8 improved breed pigs (4 males and 4 females) under the Farmers First project. As per scientific advice, he improved his pig pen and castrated the male pigs to fatten them up. Periodic health check-ups, vaccination and proper feed management significantly improved the health and productivity of the pigs.

Economic Benefits and Expansion

Mrinal ji’s total expenditure in a period of one year was Rs 75,000. During this period, he sold two male pigs at the rate of Rs 9,000 per pig and earned Rs 18,000. Another pig was sold for Rs 24,000. A female pig conceived naturally and gave birth to 9 babies. He sold 7 weaned pigs at Rs 2,300 per pig and earned Rs 16,100.

Three female pigs were bred through artificial insemination, which produced 22 pigs. He sold 17 of them at Rs 2,600 per pig and earned Rs 44,200.

Thus, Mrinal earned a total income of Rs 1,02,300 and a profit of Rs 27,300.

Contribution And Inspiration To The Community

Mrinal not only improved his financial condition but also became an inspiration to other farmers in the village. He donated two of his pigs to neighbouring farmers – Biwas Majhong and Duvel Barka – to promote sustainable pig farming. This promoted the culture of pig farming in the village and gave other farmers hope to succeed in this business.

Improved Breed, Scientific Training And Better Management Techniques

The Farmers First project has brought about a significant change in the lives of farmers of Marnagar and Sarikhusi cluster. Improved breed, scientific training and better management techniques have increased the income of farmers and opened new employment opportunities.

This success story of Mrinal Sokhwai is not only a symbol of economic self-reliance, but also proves that with the right guidance and efforts, new paths of prosperity can be created even in rural areas.