Shillong: As part of the Prosperity of Grassroot Families through Livestock Interventions the Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Prestone Tynsong today distributed piglets to beneficiaries under the Rural Backyard Piggery Scheme of the National Livestock Mission at a programme held at Tynring, East Khasi Hills District.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Prestone Tynsong lauded the Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Department for coming up with this initiative which will benefit the poorest of the poor and also boost their livelihoods. He informed that under this initiative 3 female piglets and one male piglet will be given free of cost for breeding purposes to 500 beneficiaries under Mawryngkneng constituency.

While informing that in case the pig dies within a period of one month after receiving, Shri Tynsong said that the government will replace the same with a new piglet, he urged upon the beneficiaries to take proper care of the piglets and to consult the doctors periodically so as to avoid such incidents.

Stating that the demand for pork in the state in high, he said that 18,000 metric tonnes is consumed by the people in the state annually and more than 10,000 metric tonnes have to be imported from outside the state, the main aim of this initiative is to bridge the gap between demand and supply within Meghalaya, he informed.

Others who spoke included Shri Pyniaid Sing Syiem, MLA Mawryngkneng Constituency, Shri G H P Raju, Principal Secretary AH&Veterinary, Dr Manjunatha C, Secretary AH& Veterinary among others.