25,000 Pig Farmers Hit Hard as African Swine Fever Ravages Assam

African Swine Fever has taken a devastating turn in Assam, pushing the state’s pig farming sector into an unprecedented crisis. Once a thriving industry supporting over 25,000 pig farmers, the outbreak has now brought the sector to the brink of collapse.

Across the state — from Sadiya to Dhubri — thousands of pigs have died over the past few weeks. Official data reveals that more than 260 pig farms have reported mass deaths, while nearly 80% of the state’s farms are now affected by the virus. Farmers say they are losing their entire livestock within days, leaving them helpless and financially crippled.

The Animal Husbandry Department has intensified culling operations in the affected areas to contain the spread of the disease. However, farmers allege that the government’s response has been inadequate and that there has been little effort to support them during this crisis.

Ratan Gogoi, Chief Advisor, All Assam Pig Farmers’ Association, said that most farmers had taken bank loans under government schemes to start their farms. “Before we could even start earning, the outbreak wiped out everything we invested. The government is yet to offer any real relief, and banks are not giving us any concessions either,” he said.

Farmers also complain that after culling, they receive only 30% compensation, leaving them with heavy losses. With farms shutting down, thousands of daily wage workers have lost their jobs, pushing entire families into uncertainty.

Adding to the crisis, the state currently has no vaccine or permanent solution to stop the spread of African Swine Fever.

Experts warn that the outbreak could have serious long-term economic implications. Assam’s pig farming sector contributes an estimated ₹3,000 to ₹4,000 crore annually to the state’s economy and has provided self-employment opportunities to thousands of educated youths.

But with the virus showing no signs of slowing down and no concrete government policy in place, pig farmers fear that the very future of this once-promising industry could be wiped out.

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