Raphael Warjri

Pig farmers staged a rally in Shillong on 10 Septwmber, 2026,  marching from Civil Hospital to Malki Ground to highlight the impact of African Swine Fever (ASF) on their livelihoods.

The rally was organised by the Hill Farmers Union, which said farmers were forced to protest after repeated attempts to meet the Chief Minister and other ministers failed.

The Union said farmers who availed loans under the Piggery Mission are now struggling to repay them after losing pigs to ASF.

It also questioned the implementation of the Government’s SOP requiring pigs brought from outside Meghalaya to be tested at checkpoints and quarantined if found infected. The Union alleged that functional checkpoints are absent in Ri-Bhoi district.

The farmers have demanded checkpoints and quarantine centres, loan waivers and compensation for affected farmers. They have also sought action against alleged illegal collection of money and renewed their demand for a comprehensive Agriculture Policy.

The Union claimed that more than 1,200 families across Meghalaya have been affected by ASF and said it remains willing to engage with the Government to resolve the crisis.