Nagaland, known as the "Land of Festivals," has a rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes. Located in the North Eastern Hill Region, 70% of its terrain is hilly, and agriculture is the primary livelihood for over 70% of its population. The state has the highest per capita meat consumption in India, with pork being the most preferred meat. However, Nagaland faces a significant gap between pork production and consumption, with a shortfall of 50-60%, leading to reliance on imports from other states.

Despite the potential of the local pork value chain, several challenges hinder its growth. Pig farming is mostly small-scale, with farmers focusing on fattening rather than breeding. There is a lack of breeding expertise, and breeding boars are scarce and expensive in remote areas. The absence of a local feed manufacturing industry drives up feed costs, and insufficient local production of maize and soybean makes it economically unfeasible to establish a feed mill. Additionally, poor market channels result in farmers selling their produce at low prices. These systemic and structural issues limit the expansion of pig farming in the state.

Pig production in the North Eastern Hill (NEH) region has sharply declined due to African Swine Fever, which caused widespread devastation in Nagaland. The backyard production system, high pork demand, and the import of live pigs have contributed to the spread of the disease. It has now become endemic, with frequent outbreaks across districts, leading to a decrease in pig populations and farmers' reluctance to restock or expand their farms.

The challenges facing pig production in Nagaland are also prevalent across the entire North Eastern Hill (NEH) region. To address these issues, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has been implementing the All India Coordinated Research Project on Pig at ICAR Nagaland Centre, Medziphema, since 2009. The project's goal is to improve pig productivity through the introduction of superior pig germplasm.

As part of this initiative, artificial insemination (AI) technology has been developed and standardized for local farmers. AI, widely used globally in various livestock species for genetic improvement, is a cost-effective and easy-to-use reproductive method. While less than 0.01% of breedable female pigs in India are bred through AI due to infrastructure and policy limitations, its adoption in Nagaland has gained momentum as farmers have seen positive results. AI reduces disease transmission risk, enables rapid genetic improvement, and reduces the need for breeding boars. This technology is now in high demand among farmers.

ICAR Nagaland Centre has successfully scaled up artificial insemination (AI) technology for pigs in Nagaland and neighboring districts of Assam. Since 2016-17, the Centre has inseminated 6,120 pigs on 5,791 farms, producing 43,243 piglets with average litter sizes ranging from 8.28 to 10.06. Additionally, 23 entrepreneurs have been trained in AI across the Dimapur, Kohima, Peren, Chumukedima, and Phek districts. Due to its success, the Centre has received requests for technology transfer from the governments of Nagaland and Sikkim. In June 2024, in collaboration with the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, the Government of Nagaland, and KVK Wokha, a satellite AI center was established at KVK Wokha, a remote location. The Centre has provided training, boars, and extenders for insemination services. Though in its initial stage, the project has generated strong interest among farmers, raising hopes for the widespread adoption of AI in the region.In conclusion, AI technology in pigs holds great promise for improving sustainable pig production in the NEH region. There is an urgent need to horizontally transfer this technology to every district of the NEH region to reap its full benefit. To do so, convergence between line departments and policy support from the government is needed.

(Source: ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre, Medziphema, Nagaland)