ASF Outbreak Devastates Assam’s Piggery Sector

Assam’s piggery sector has suffered severe losses since African Swine Fever (ASF) first hit in 2020. The pig population dropped from 21 lakh in 2019 to 13 lakh. ASF outbreaks, especially in Upper Assam and now in Barpeta, Darrang, Nalbari, and Kamrup, forced mass culling. Farmers receive limited compensation, and no effective vaccine exists yet. IIT Guwahati and the College of Veterinary Science are working on one. Despite government aid, many farmers continue to face huge losses.