In line with the ambitious “Vision Mokokchung 2040,” an article by Lanukaba Imchen, an entrepreneur and a prominent citizen suggests a strategic path for economic sustainability, with a particular focus on agri-based development, highlighting the potential in the area of piggery farming.
The article emphasizes the substantial daily sale of imported pork in Mokokchung town, totaling 3,800 kgs and amounting to Rs 5,70,000. With 30% estimated as local consumption, the daily expenditure on both local and imported pork reaches Rs 7,52,400. Annually, this expenditure escalates to a staggering Rs 23,39,96,400.
The article suggests a transformative solution: if each household in Mokokchung were to rear at least one pig, it could result in the local production of 8,38,700 kgs of pork annually. This initiative could potentially reduce the annual expenditure on imported pork by Rs 13.42 crore.
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Identifying challenges such as swine fever, inbreeding, housing management issues, foul smells, and adulterated feeds, the article proposes remedies. The remedial suggestions include training programs, the use of Pirang to control foul smells, and local production of organic feed crops like tapioca, maize, soybean, and mustard.
Imchen’s proposal extends beyond pork production, envisioning a comprehensive economic model. The cultivation of feed crops could create a local market, with a suggested Contract Farming system or Buy Back policy to incentivize farmers. The proposed preparatory period of five years involves training and awareness campaigns, ultimately followed by a ban on importing pigs.