A total of ₹15.59 crore has been disbursed to 5,436 families in Mizoram as compensation for pigs culled due to African Swine Fever (ASF), marking the formal launch of the “Distribution & Launching of ASF Compensation” programme at the MINECO Office Chamber of the Animal Husbandry & Veterinary (AH&Vety) Department. Minister C. Lalsawivunga noted that since ASF was first detected in Lunglei district on March 21, 2021, it has severely impacted the state’s economy with annual reports of pig deaths and cullings. Compensation is provided according to Government of India guidelines for culled pigs, funded by a 50 per cent Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) and 50 per cent State Matching Share (SMS). However, between 2022-2024, the state received only 25 per cent of the necessary funds, leading beneficiaries to receive only a quarter of their eligible compensation. In response to substantial losses, the Mizoram government declared ASF a State Disaster in 2024, extending compensation for pig deaths (excluding culled pigs) at ₹4,000 per pig, capped at six pigs per beneficiary. For 2024, ₹15,59,34,001 was allocated for culled pigs against a requirement of ₹24,50,05,600, to be shared between the Centre and State. Disbursement began today through cheque or Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for 26,179 animals across 11 districts, with Aizawl having the highest beneficiaries (1,302 families, 10,926 animals). Revised compensation rates for culled pigs range from ₹2,200 for pigs under 15 kg to ₹15,000 for those over 100 kg. The Minister stated that funding for 2025 is proposed under the 2026-27 Action Plan, highlighting the government’s commitment to support pig farmers and alleviate the economic impact of ASF.
