GUWAHATI: In a major relief to the pig farmers and pork lovers of the State, the Assam Government has lifted the ban on the sale and consumption of pork in the African Swine Fever (ASF)-affected districts with some conditions.
Addressing media persons in Guwahati Assam agriculture minister Atul Bora said that sale and consumption of pork is allowed within ASF-affected districts excluding containment and surveillance zones.
He also stated that the same is allowed in the unaffected districts.
The state government has declared seven areas in Biswanath, Dhemaji, Sibsagar, Jorhat and Kamrup (Metro) districts as epicentres of ASF. An area within 1 km radius of these epicentres is considered as infected zone and an area within 10 km of the infected zone as surveillance zone.
However, Inter-district and inter-state buying, selling and transfer of pigs, pork and pork products will remain suspended.
“After consultation with veterinary experts and officials of veterinary and animal husbandry department we have decided on certain relaxations in selling and consumption of pork and pork products. I am sure that this will provide much needed relief to the pig farmers and piggery owner,” Bora stated.
