A total of ₹15.59 crore has been disbursed to 5,436 families across Mizoram as compensation for pigs culled due to African Swine Fever (ASF). The formal launch of the “Distribution & Launching of ASF Compensation” programme was held today at the MINECO Office Chamber of the Animal Husbandry & Veterinary (AH&Vety) Department.
AH&Vety Minister C. Lalsawivunga stated that since the first detection of ASF at Lungsen in Lunglei district on March 21, 2021, recurring outbreaks have severely impacted the state’s economy, with pig deaths and culling reported annually.
As per Government of India guidelines, compensation is provided only for culled pigs at prescribed rates under a 50 per cent Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) and 50 per cent State Matching Share (SMS). However, during 2022–23 and 2023–24, the state received only 25 per cent of the required CSS and SMS funds, resulting in beneficiaries receiving just 25 per cent of their eligible compensation.
Considering the heavy losses faced by pig farmers, the Mizoram government declared ASF a State Disaster in 2024. Under this provision, compensation was extended for pig deaths (excluding culled pigs) at ₹4,000 per pig, limited to six pigs per beneficiary.
For 2024, compensation for culled pigs amounted to ₹15,59,34,001 against a total required fund of ₹24,50,05,600, to be shared between the Centre and the State under CSS and SMS. The Minister informed that funds have been released to District Officers, and disbursement to beneficiaries commenced today through cheque or Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
A total of 26,179 animals across 11 districts were covered under the scheme. Aizawl recorded the highest number of beneficiaries with 1,302 families and 10,926 animals, followed by Serchhip (2,382 families; 7,119 animals) and Lunglei (611 families; 3,287 animals). Other districts including Kolasib, Mamit, Saitual, Khawzawl, Hnahthial, Siaha, Champhai, and Lawngtlai also received compensation.
The revised compensation rates for pigs culled due to ASF range from ₹2,200 for pigs below 15 kg to ₹15,000 for pigs above 100 kg.
The Minister added that funds required for 2025 have been proposed under the 2026–27 Action Plan, and efforts are underway to secure full funding, reiterating the government’s commitment to supporting pig farmers and mitigating the impact of ASF on the rural economy.
