Despite the social stigma and religious sentiments attached with animal slaughter for consumption, more youth in Zhemgang are opting to make a living from piggery farm business. Just within two years, the District Livestock Sector recorded seven semi and commercial piggery farms in the district.
Set up early this year, Kulamti commercial pig breeding farm under Phangkhar Gewog is one of the biggest in the district. The farm has more than a hundred adult pigs for breeding purposes.
“Kulamti piggery is targeted to produce about 350 piglets. We have received more demand from other areas to supply piglets. Unlike the past years, we have more youth taking up pig farming. We are getting more project proposals from the youth these days,” said Sangay Dorji, Livestock Production officer.
Apart from the lone commercial breeding farm in Kulamti, people in the district practice backyard pig farming with three to five pigs. The district produced more than 24 metric tons of pork last year. And going by the demand, more people are taking up the business.
“The district livestock sector provides materials like cement, CGI sheets and wood planks to build the pigsty to support people who want to take up a piggery. We also supply piglets,” added Sangay Dorji.
Meanwhile, another mega commercial pig farming project is underway in Trong Gewog. Once complete, it will be the second biggest farm in the district.
Pema Samdrup, Zhemgang
Edited by Sonam Pem
