Pig rearing system

Pigs are the most common and preferred livestock species in Tripura and reared by the weaker section as well as the unemployed youth of the total population of the state. Piggery itself contributes 30% of the total meat production in the state. Traditionally, the tribal populations are rearing pigs.  Besides, the non-tribal has now been taken up pig farming as primary source of income.  The majority of households rear pigs (mostly 1 or 2 pigs), mainly for fattening purposes as a good source of animal origin protein.

Pig rearing occupies an important position in the farming system in Tripura as it is closely interlinked with the other agricultural operation performed by the tribal people for livelihood. The production system in the villages is very traditional, mainly based on indigenous local pigs with feeding systems primarily based on jungle forages and kitchen waste.

Feeding of balanced concentrate feed to pigs is popular now a days, the concentrates readily available in the market. Some farmers buy a couple of feed ingredients, maize, wheat bran or rice polish, from the local feed stall and fed it to pigs with additional farm and kitchen waste. However, they hardly buy any protein rich feed ingredients or mineral and vitamin mixture. This is possibly because pig producers lack knowledge of pig nutrition together with financial constraints.

These traditional feeds provide inadequate nutrition to support acceptable growth rates and to maintain good health. In addition collecting forages is a major cause of forest degradation. Also, collection of forages and fuel wood places an enormous burden on women who are traditionally responsible for these activities.

Comparative Study in respect of Pig Population:-

                                                                                                                                                      (In thousands)

Major pig breeds:

1. Large White Yorkshire: - Most extensively used exotic breed in our State. Excellent breed for the purpose of cross breeding. Considering the popularity and performance experienced at farmers’ field, this can be imported as per government norms for development of nucleus herd in Govt. as well as in Pvt. Sectors.
2. Landrace: - These breeds are noted for their ability to farrow and raise large litters and extensively used for cross breeding in our State. For efficient utilization of this breed in crossbreeding programme, import of this germplasm to the state from other parts of India as well as abroad is required. Besides the Govt. sector, this breed can also be maintained in the Pvt. Sector as nucleus herd.
3. Hampshire (Pure bred): They have been used extensively in crossbreeding because of their good carcass quality - popular for their lean, meaty carcasses. For efficient utilization of this breed in crossbreeding programme, import of this germplasm to the state from other parts of India as well as abroad is required.
4. The indigenous variety of pigs i.e. Mali & Dome: Available in Tripura are smaller in size with poor feed conversion abilities. Average adult body weight is about 45 Kg & litter size is 4 to 5. The main objective of the Government is to enhance pig production of the state by upgrading the local variety of pigs through cross breeding with the exotic pigs. Adult body weight of the improved variety pig come up to 70 to 80 kg with increased litter size. Carcass weight was found to be 56 to 70 % of live weight.

The Animal Resources Development Department including TTAADC is currently maintaining 10 piggery farms with the following objectives:

1. To maintain swine breeds of superior germplasm aimed at up-grading local animals at farmer level to enhance productivity and production.
2. Utilise as demonstration farm to progressive piggery farmers
3. Generate revenue for the State.
4. Also proliferation of exotic variety to augment pork production of the state.

The strengthening of the existing farms will be able to keep balance between piglet demand and its distribution. As a result the financial benefit will reach to the grass-root level and it will inspire the unemployed youth to come forward for modern pig farming and increased pork production. So, to get optimum production, replacement of present old, senile, low productive pigs including Strengthening of pig breeding farms, is required.

IMPORTANT ACTIVITIES TAKEN UP BY THE DEPTT. DURING LAST FIVE YEARS:

1. Introduced Mega Seed Project on Pig during the year 2015-16 at Composite Livestock farm, Debipur. Objectives of this project are to Production of upgraded variety of quality piglets and increase farm income through technology lead growth, Capacity building in institute to produce above number of quality piglets & Initiating gender friendly pro-poor growth through improved pig husbandry.
2. Genetic improvement of local pig through supply of one male piglet to Patta Holders with an annual target of 1500(one thousand five hundred) beneficiaries [@ Rs. 6,000/- per beneficiary].
3. Induction of new germplasm for enhancing production of pork (pig meat) as well as adoption of breeding technology for production of lean meat with low fat using exotic and non-descript pigs.
4. Strengthening of the Govt. Pig farms for input supply and preservation of better germplasm.
5. Tuber (Tapioca) cultivation through convergence of fund under MGNREGA in FRA and other areas - 25 Hectare every year.

Contact details:-

1. Pig Products:

i. Exotic pig/piglet:

ii. Mali pig/ piglet:

B. Goat Products:-

Pig Breeding Policy

There are 10 (Ten) Pig breeding Farms in the State. There is a great potential for the growth of Pig husbandry in Tripura. The main objective of the Government to enhance pig production of the state by upgrading the local variety of pigs through cross breeding with the exotic pigs. Adult body weight of the improved pigs come up to 70 to 80 kg with increased litter size. Carcass weight was found to be 56 to 70 % of live weight.

DISTRICT  WISE PIG FARM LOCATIONS ARE AS GIVEN BELOW -