ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Sri Vijaya Puram, and ICAR-NRC on Yak, Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh, jointly undertook a venture on “Scientific Pig Farming and Piglet Distribution” through the NEH component of AICRP on Pig on 19.02.2025. The programme was organized for the Monpa farmers of Arunachal Pradesh, with a total of 73 farmers attended the event.Director of NRC on Yak, Dr. Mihir Sarkar, in his address, encouraged farmers to adopt pig farming and emphasized that the climate of Arunachal Pradesh is conducive to pig rearing. He also highlighted the profitability of pig farming, as pork is highly preferred in the Northeastern states, including Arunachal Pradesh. He thanked ICAR-CIARI, Sri Vijaya Puram, for organizing the program.
Dr. Arun Kumar De, Senior Scientist, ICAR-CIARI, informed the trainees about the significance of indigenous breeds in the context of climate change and the economic benefits of pig farming through a zero-budget model. Dr. Debasis Bhattacharya, Principal Scientist, ICAR-CIARI, addressed health-related issues in pigs and discussed disease prevention under the One Health programme. Dr. Shubham Loat, Scientist, ICAR-NRC on Yak, welcomed the audience and highlighted the importance of the topic for the economic upliftment of yak farmers. During the scientist-farmer interaction session, the importance of castration for quicker monetary returns was clarified for the pig farmers.Following the training, a total of 73 piglets were distributed among 73 farmers. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Vijay Paul, Principal Scientist, who extended special gratitude to Dr. E.B. Chakurkar, Director, ICAR-CIARI, for deputing scientific personnel for this collaborative initiative.