Thousands of pig farmers across Upper Assam are facing severe economic hardship as district administrations in Dibrugarh, Sivasagar, Dhemaji, and Jorhat have imposed strict prohibitory orders banning the sale, transport, and slaughter of pigs to contain the outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF). The restrictions have brought the region’s vital piggery sector to a standstill, threatening livelihoods and disrupting the supply of a staple food for indigenous tribal communities.
The bans have created widespread distress in a region where pork is not merely a commercial product but an integral part of the local diet and cultural traditions, particularly among tribal populations. The restrictions has intensified the crisis for both producers and consumers.
Bharat Handique, president of the Upper Assam Animal Husbandry Association, voiced serious concerns about the impact.
“The ASF outbreak and subsequent ban are severely affecting pig farmers’ income. Many farmers have invested their entire savings in piggery, and now they cannot sell their livestock or recover their investments. The situation is becoming desperate,” he stated.
The Jorhat district administration has imposed a blanket ban under the BNSS of 2023. Transportation of live pigs, pig product and pork meat is prohibited into and within the district effectively halting all pig-related commercial activities.
Dibrugarh has adopted a zonal strategy following ASF detection in Chabua and Moran Revenue Circles. The district has been divided into ‘Infected Zones’ within 1 km radius and ‘Surveillance Zones’ extending 10 km from outbreak epicentres. The order prohibits movement of live pigs, pig feed, and pork products in these areas.
Sivasagar has restricted activities across the entire Amguri Revenue Circle after laboratory-confirmed cases at Magarahat Rajabari Gaon.
Dhemaji district authorities has issued similar orders after cases emerged in Mechaki Tangani Gaon, warning that no infected or suspected pigs can be transported.
The economic stakes are enormous. Assam hosts approximately 16.3 lakh pigs, representing nearly 16 percent of India’s total pig population. North East India accounts for about 70 percent of the country’s pork production, with the region holding 38.42 percent of India’s pig population—underscoring pig farming’s critical role in the rural economy.
“The complete ban has left farmers helpless. Daily feeding costs continue, but we cannot sell our animals. Many are considering abandoning pig farming entirely,” said Robin Bhuyan, a distressed pig rearer from Dibrugarh.
The crisis extends beyond farmers to affect the entire supply chain, including traders, transporters, and market vendors who depend on pork sales for their families’ sustenance. Despite being India’s largest pork consumer, the Northeast normally sources only 60 percent locally, importing the rest from Punjab and Haryana—now impossible under current restrictions.
The bans remain in force indefinitely, leaving Upper Assam’s pig farming community facing mounting losses and an uncertain future with no compensation mechanism in place.
