₹15.59 Crore Disbursed to 5,436 Families in Mizoram as ASF Compensation

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), formally launched in a program by the Animal Husbandry & Veterinary (AH&Vety) Department Minister C. Lalsawivunga. Since the ASF outbreak’s initial detection on March 21, 2021, at Lungsen in Lunglei district, recurrent incidents have profoundly affected the local economy through annual killings and culling of pigs. According to Government of India guidelines, the compensation is limited to culled pigs, split equally as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) and State Matching Share (SMS). However, the state has consistently received only 25% of the necessary CSS and SMS funds in the past two fiscal years, leading to beneficiaries getting just a quarter of the owed compensation.

In light of the significant financial challenges faced by pig farmers, the Mizoram government designated ASF as a State Disaster in 2024, allowing for compensation for pig deaths (beyond culled animals) at a rate of ₹4,000 each, capped at six pigs per farmer. For 2024, the compensation for culled pigs totaled ₹15,59,34,001, while the projected requirement was ₹24,50,05,600, with funds shared between the Centre and State. The Minister reported that funds have been allocated to District Officers, initiating compensation distribution through cheque or Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

The scheme covered 26,179 animals in 11 districts, with Aizawl having the most beneficiaries (1,302 families and 10,926 animals), followed by Serchhip (2,382 families and 7,119 animals) and Lunglei (611 families and 3,287 animals). Other districts such as Kolasib, Mamit, Saitual, Khawzawl, Hnahthial, Siaha, Champhai, and Lawngtlai also received compensation. Compensation rates for culled pigs range from ₹2,200 for pigs below 15 kg to ₹15,000 for those exceeding 100 kg. The Minister confirmed that funding for 2025 has been included in the 2026–27 Action Plan, emphasizing the government’s commitment to assisting pig farmers and alleviating ASF’s effects on the local rural economy.