Meghalaya Piggery Development Scheme

The Chief Minister’s ELEVATE program is a flagship initiative by the Government of Meghalaya aimed at engaging and empowering the youth through entrepreneurship, making them active partners in the state’s development. This program extends support to a diverse range of entrepreneurs, including individuals, collectives, village organizations, and traditional institutions, facilitating the establishment and growth of businesses across various sectors.

Scheme Details

About

Aspiring entrepreneurs registered and un-registered entities in Meghalaya can access financial assistance and comprehensive support through the CM-ELEVATE program. This support encompasses:

Financial grant and easy credit to the entrepreneurs: The financial support serves as a vital catalyst for entrepreneurs looking to invest in pig rearing.

  1. Skill Development and Training: The program offers skill development and training initiatives to enhance the capabilities of entrepreneurs.
  2. Capacity Building: Entrepreneurs receive capacity-building resources, helping them acquire the skills necessary for successful business management.
  3. Mentorship: Mentorship initiatives are available to guide entrepreneurs in their journey towards business success.
  4. Market Access: The program facilitates market linkages, enabling entrepreneurs to access broader markets for their products and services.
  5. Business Advisory Services: Entrepreneurs benefit from advisory services to make informed decisions in their business ventures.

Meghalaya Pig Farming Initiative Scheme: 

An integral component of the Chief Minister’s ELEVATE program is the Meghalaya Pig Farming Initiative Scheme. This initiative is designed to uplift the livelihoods of entrepreneurs by promoting pig rearing as a significant economic activity. Key details of this Scheme include:

  1. Credit-Linked scheme: The scheme operates as a credit-linked scheme, closely connected with a partner bank, and is implemented by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary.
  2. Economic Growth: The primary objective of this scheme is to contribute to the state’s economic growth by promoting and supporting pig farming.
  3. Financial Assistance: Financial Assistance: The entrepreneurs will receive financial assistance of 50% of the total project costs including interest. The support provided includes capital assistance and operational support through EMI co-payment.
  4. Training and Capacity Building: Entrepreneurs are provided with training and capacity-building resources to assist in the establishment and management of their piggery units.
  5. Market Access: The scheme facilitates access to market linkages and additional resources to help entrepreneurs effectively sell their pig farming produce.

Importance of Piggery in CM-ELEVATE:

Pig rearing plays a pivotal role in Meghalaya’s economic landscape, making it an integral part of the CM-ELEVATE program. This isn’t merely a business endeavour; it’s a multifaceted initiative that has a profound impact on the state’s development and nutrition.

  1. Economic Significance: Pig farming is a significant source of income for the population in Meghalaya. Pig farming generates a high proportion of rural employment for women. Pigs are prolific and can convert waste food, rotten grains, and vegetable waste.
  2. Nutritional Benefits: Beyond economic gains, pig rearing also addresses pressing nutritional challenges within the state. The Meghalaya Health Department reports that pork is a rich source of protein, which is vital for addressing malnutrition and promoting overall health, especially among the state’s residents.
  3. Government Commitment: The inclusion of the Meghalaya Pig Farming Initiative Scheme within the CM Elevate program underscores the government’s larger commitment to fostering pig rearing as a significant economic activity. The scheme is in line with the government’s vision to double the GDP of the state, and piggery farming is expected to play a major role in achieving this goal.
  4. Creating Entrepreneurial Resilience: Ultimately, the government’s aim is to create a resilient entrepreneurial ecosystem that not only sustains local businesses but also contributes significantly to the overall development and prosperity of Meghalaya. Pig rearing, with its economic and nutritional benefits, stands as a critical pillar in achieving this goal.

Objectives of the Meghalaya Pig Farming Initiative Scheme

  1. Economic Development: Contribute to the overall economic development of Meghalaya by strengthening the pig farming sector, which has a significant impact on the state’s agricultural GDP.
  2. Promote Entrepreneurship: Foster entrepreneurship in the pig farming sector to stimulate economic growth and create a resilient entrepreneurial ecosystem within the state.
  3. Achieve Self-Sufficiency: Increase pork production within the state to attain self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on imports from other regions, thereby promoting economic independence.
  4. Combat Malnutrition: Raise the per capita availability of pork to combat malnutrition and address protein deficiency in the state’s population, thereby improving public health.
  5. Skill Development: Offer comprehensive scope for training and capacity-building to entrepreneurs, enhancing their skills and knowledge in pig production while fostering entrepreneurship.
  6. Livelihood Diversification: Encourage entrepreneurs to adopt pig farming as a viable livelihood option, generating employment opportunities, additional income, and contributing to economic development.
  7. Women Empowerment: The Meghalaya Pig Farming Initiative Scheme will empower women in rural areas by actively involving them in pig rearing activities. The scheme will provide training and financial assistance to women to help them start or expand their piggery businesses.

 

SchemeThe Meghalaya Pig Farming Initiative Scheme
Who can apply?
  1. Individuals from Meghalaya
  2. Registered entities: Any group/entity registered in Meghalaya such as Cooperatives, Farmer Producer Companies (FPC), Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) and so on.
  3. Un-registered entities: Traditional institutions, shelf help groups, producer groups and so on based in Meghalaya
Nodal department for the Elevate SchemeDepartment of Planning, Government of Meghalaya
Implementing agency of Elevate- Piggery SchemeDepartment of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary
Application procedureOnline application on the CM’s Elevate Scheme Portal

 

Role of The Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Department

The department is responsible for making sure that the scheme is implemented effectively and that entrepreneurs are successful. As part of this effort, they need to do the following:

  1. The department will provide technical support to entrepreneurs on pig farming practices, such as feeding, breeding, and disease prevention. 
  2. The department shall facilitate the supply or guide the entrepreneurs of quality piglets and breeding stock to improve the quality of their pigs. 
  3. The department to organize training programs for entrepreneurs on pig farming to help them improve their skills and knowledge. 
  4. The department will monitor the piggery sector to identify and address any problems that may arise.
  5. The department will facilitate convergence with other departments and schemes from time to time for the benefit of pig rearing entrepreneurs.

Eligibility

CategoryFormationPrimary CriteriaOther Criteria
Individuals from MeghalayaIndividual entrepreneursMust provide valid government ID proof with an address such as Aadhar Card, Voter ID, Passport and so on.
  1. Should possess land, either self-owned or on lease, verified by the competent authority
  2. Should possess a training certificate on the sector applied for from a recognized Institution, preferably from a Government Institute
  3. Preference for availing loans will be given to entrepreneurs and entities with prior experience of undertaking piggery.
  4. The entrepreneur must have access to adequate and quality feed for the pigs.
  5. e.      The entrepreneur must have a vaccination Scheme in place for the pigs.
  6. The entrepreneur must have a plan for marketing the pigs and their products.
  7. The entrepreneur’s village must be in an area where pig rearing is feasible.
  8. The distance between the entrepreneur’s village and the nearest market must be reasonable.
  9. The entrepreneur should not be a credit defaulter from any bank.
Registered Entities from MeghalayaAny group/entity registered in Meghalaya such as Cooperatives, Farmer Producer Companies (FPC), Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) and so on.
  1. Must provide an Incorporation Certificate or a registration certificate whichever is applicable.
  2. At least two members should possess a training certificate on the sector applied for from a recognized institution, preferably from a government institute.
Unregistered Entities from MeghalayaTraditional institutions, self help groups, producer groups and so on.
  1. Eligibility certification from competent government authority like BDO/SDO/Department in case of Producer group from DPMs.
  2. The non-registered entity must have a constitution/bylaws/framework that outline the group’s structure, objectives, and procedures.
  1. Individuals from Meghalaya 
  2. Registered entities:  Any group/entity registered in Meghalaya such as Cooperatives, Farmer Producer Companies (FPC), Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) and so on.
  3. Un-registered entities: Traditional institutions, shelf help groups, producer groups and so on based in Meghalaya

Application Process

How to Apply for the Meghalaya Pig Farming Initiative Scheme?

Entrepreneurs are required to complete the application process and submit all the required documents online on the CM-ELEVATE program portal.

Financing Plan

Summary of the financing plan:

The figure below shows the overall summary of the financing of the project.

Financial partners
  1. Meghalaya Rural Bank (MRB)
  2. State Bank of India (SBI)
  3. HDFC Bank
  4. Northeast Small Finance Bank
  5. The Shillong Co-operative Urban Bank Ltd
  6. The Meghalaya Co-Operative Apex Bank Ltd (MCAB)

Evaluation

Applications will be evaluated through a three-step process and following which the final list will be declared.

Shortlisting of applications:

Applications will be shortlisted based on the verification of all required documents mentioned above.

Evaluation of the shortlisted applications:
    1. The District level screening committee shall perform the initial screening of the applications based on the authentication of submitted documents and recommend the names to the State level committee. The Screening Committee may also do a physical background verification of the shortlisted applications.
    2. The State level sanction committee headed by senior most Secretary /Commissioner secretary/Secretary of the department will approve the recommendation by the district level committee and the same shall be communicated to the bank.
    3. The bank will take up with the entrepreneurs for the processing of the loan.

       

Personal interviews:

Personal interviews of the screened entrepreneurs may be conducted by the committee if necessary.

Determining annual target of the Scheme

The annual target of the Scheme will be annually determined by the nodal Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary and communicated to the nodal departments.

Steps to Access Financial Assistance


Implementation Agency

  1. Nodal department: Department of Planning, Government of Meghalaya
  2. Implementing Department: Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary 
  3. State Level:  Directorate of A.H & Veterinary

     

State Level CommitteeDistrict Level Committee
  • The department will notify the members of the committee from time to time
  • Representatives from the banks should be part of the committees

Terms and Conditions of the loan

  1. A triparted contract shall be signed at the time of sanctioning of the loan by each entrepreneur with the department and bank responsible for Program implementation.
  2. Must attend any training programs whenever provided by the government.
  3. Government of Meghalaya has the right to terminate the contract with entrepreneur if he/she is found not to abide by the terms and conditions of the contract and is found to be engaged in fraudulent /illegal/criminal activities.

Economic Benefits

Credit details – Illustration to understand the payment terms
Loan AmountFinancial assistance of 50% of the total project costs including interest.
Loan term5 years
Moratorium period12 months
Annual rate of interest10.9%

** Annual interest rate may differ at the time of sanction of the loan and prevailing rate of the bank will be applicable.

Quantum and Nature of Assistance:
  • Financial Support:

The entrepreneurs will receive financial assistance of 50% of the total project costs including interest. 

    1. The support provided includes 45% of the project cost allocated as capital assistance 
    2. An additional 5% of the project cost offered as operational support through EMI co-payment.

  • EMI support: 

To reduce the burden of the operational cost on the entrepreneur in the first one years of business, Government of Meghalaya will support the entrepreneur by paying 5% of the project cost 

  • Additional support:
    1. Guidance in application process through implementing agencies
    2. Support in project realization of the business venture under this program
    3. Training and capacity building of the entrepreneurs to successfully run their business ventures under this program

Payment terms

Total project cost 1,25,000
Total Down payment/upfront50%₹ 62,500
Entrepreneurs’s upfront contribution5%₹ 6,250
Govt Upfront contribution45%₹ 56,250
Bank interest10.9%
Loan Term years5
EMI support from GoM5%₹ 6,250

** Annual interest rate may differ at the time of sanction of the loan and prevailing rate of the bank will be applicable.

EMI payment

 

 

Down

payment

EMI Monthly
 1-6 months7-12 months13-18 months19-24 months25-36 months37-48 months49-60 months
Entrepreneurs’s Contribution₹ 6,250₹ 0₹ 0₹ 1,276₹ 1,276₹ 1,797₹ 1,797₹ 1,797
GoM Contribution₹ 56,250₹ 0₹ 0₹ 521₹ 521₹ 0₹ 0₹ 0
Total₹ 62,500₹ 0₹ 0₹ 1,797₹ 1,797₹ 1,797₹ 1,797₹ 1,797
Financial Aid Disbursement
  1. Down-payment support from the Government of Meghalaya will be transferred to the bank in favor of the entrepreneur within 15 days of receival of request from the bank.
  2. If entrepreneurs fail to produce the relevant documents and deposit the required margin money within the defined period of time of announcement of the results, the allotment will be automatically cancelled and passed on to the Entrepreneurs in the waiting list.
  3. EMI support will be deposited to the loan account of the entrepreneur based on the assessment of the criteria mentioned.
Application Portal Availability

The portal will be activated at regular intervals to accept applications.

Economic Analysis for the Intervention
Indicators:
  1. Number of Households: The program aims to benefit 10,000 households over a 5-year period.
  2. Number of Piglets per Year: An estimated 80,000 piglets are expected to be raised each year, totalling 3,20,000 piglets over the 5-year duration.
  3. Meat Production in Metric Tons (MT) per Year: The target is to produce 600 MT of meat in the second, third, fourth, and fifth years, with an accumulative production of 1,800 MT by the end of the 5-year period.

Cost-Benefit Analysis

  • Costs: This includes expenses related to training, financial aid disbursement, program administration, and other operational costs.
  • Benefits: The benefits include the increased income generated by participating entrepreneurs, the contribution to local and state economies through meat production, and the potential reduction in malnutrition.
Economic Impact

Assessing the economic impact of the program on the local and state economy is crucial. This can include job creation, increased economic activity in the livestock sector, and improved food security due to increased meat production.

Social Impact

Apart from economic factors, the program should also evaluate its social impact, such as empowerment of entrepreneurs, improved livelihoods, and potential reduction in malnutrition among entrepreneur households.

Suggestions for maximizing profit in piggery
  1. Improve sow reproductive performance: This can be done by providing the sows with a comfortable and clean environment, and by feeding them a nutritious diet.
  2. Increase the number of piglets born alive per litter: This can be done by selecting healthy and fertile boars and sows.
  3. Time pig mating correctly: This can be done by calculating the estrus cycle of the sows and by mating them at the right time.
  4. Manage pig ovulation and fertilisation rate: This can be done by providing the pigs with the right nutrients.
  5. Decrease embryonic and foetal mortality: This can be done by providing the pigs with a clean and healthy environment.
  6. Monitor the health status of your herd: This can be done by regular vaccination and deworming.

Cost estimates for the project for setting up of one Breeding Unit (4 sows+ 1 Boar)
PARTICULARSAMOUNT (in )
Construction of shed for 5 animals **62,500.00
Cost of 1 no. 3–4-month-old young boar @₹6000/- per piglet6,000.00
Cost of 4 nos. 3–4-month-old sows @₹6000/- per piglet24,000.00
Veterinary care, transportation cost, and other charges3,000.00
Cost of feed29,000.00
Contingency costs500.00
TOTAL UNIT COST:1,25,000.00

**In this project, it is envisaged that simple semi-covered pens constructed of locally available materials like rough timber having a CGI sheet as roofing and concrete floor will be constructed. Several pens can be arranged in a row as required.

FAQs

Meghalaya Pig Farming Initiative Scheme is a credit linked scheme launched by Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Department under which financial aid of 50% is provided on the total cost of the project to start pig farming. The project cost includes construction of shed; buying animals; cost associated with veterinary care and buying feed; and contingency cost. Additional support will also be provided in terms training, technical support on farming practices and risk mitigation strategy etc.

Meghalaya Pig Farming Initiative Scheme is one of the 15 other bank linked schemes being launched under the CM-ELEVATE programs.

Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Department is implementing the scheme at state level.

Any  entity or group of farmers involved with agricultural products and legally registered with the government of Meghalaya such as Cooperatives, Farmer Producer Companies (FPC), Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) etc. 

Any entity or group of farmers such as village organizations, self-help groups, producer groups and any other traditional institutions based in Meghalaya who are not currently registered/incorporated with the government of Meghalaya.

No age limit for the entrepreneurs.

There is no application fee.

Currently the last date of application for the first phase of the scheme is 31st of October 2023.

Entrepreneurs could contact the helpline team through a call or email for any queries related to application process. 

Entrepreneurs can also contact the District Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Officer for any clarifications.

The application process will be processed and evaluated through district and state level committees which will be notified by the implementing agency from time to time.

You can send your grievance to the helpline number.

No changes will be applicable after submission. It is advisable that the applicants read and answer each question carefully and all changes should be made before submitting the application.

The scheme is offering 50% financial aid on the total project in the form of 45% as upfront support and remaining 5% as EMI co-payment for twelve months. The upfront contribution will be provided to the entrepreneurs in three instalments based on achieving various milestones of the project such as buying raw materials for shed construction, completion of shed construction and  buying animals.

You can receive 50% of the total project cost to start a piggery farm.

You can choose any of the partnered banks under the scheme based on your convenience and ease. The banks which are currently part of the scheme are Meghalaya Rural Bank (MRB), State Bank of India (SBI), HDFC Bank and Northeast Small Finance Bank.

The repayment period with 5 years inclusive of 12 months of moratorium period. 

Interest rates may vary depending on the bank you choose for credit support. You should inquire with the selected bank for specific interest rate details.

No, currently there are no pre-closure penalties for the loan.

The subsidy is disbursed to the entrepreneurs through financing partners under the scheme.

Trainings may be provided and the same will be notified by the Implementing Agency from time to time.

Yes, training provided by the Implementing Agency will be mandatory. 

Training locations will be notified by the Implementing Agency from time to time.

No, there is no fee associated with trainings provided by the implanting agency.

Duration of the trainings will be notified by the Implementing Agency from time to time.

You are requested to contact PRIME Hub or District Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Officer to inform about any challenges being faced at any stage of the project for any guidance and requirements.

Eligibility:

  1. Individuals from Meghalaya
  2. Any farmer’s association/group/entity registered in Meghalaya such as Cooperatives, Farmer Producer Companies (FPC), Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) etc.
  3. Any unregistered entity such as village organizations, self-help groups, producer groups and any other traditional institutions etc.  based in Meghalaya can apply

Non-permanent residents of Meghalaya are not eligible to apply.

Applications from following shall not be ordinarily considered

  • Pressure groups  and organizations that are primarily political in nature
  • Government employees (currently employed or retired and drawing pension) and their dependents.
  1. Permanent residents of Meghalaya are eligible for the scheme
  2. Should possess land, either self-owned or on lease, verified by the competent authority 
  3. Should possess a training certificate on the sector applied for from a recognized Institution, preferably from a Government Institute 
  4. Preference for availing loans will be given to entrepreneurs and entities with prior experience of undertaking piggery
  5. The entrepreneur must have access to adequate and quality feed for the pigs
  6. The entrepreneur must have a vaccination Scheme in place for the pigs.
  7. The entrepreneur must have a plan for marketing the pigs and their products
  8. The entrepreneur ‘s village must be in an area where pig rearing is feasible.
  9. The distance between the entrepreneur’s village and the nearest market must be reasonable
  10. Must provide valid government ID proof with an address such as Aadhar Card, Voter ID, Passport etc.
  11. Shall be eligible for loan and shall not be a credit defaulter from any bank.
  12.  
  1. A valid photo identity with address which includes Aadhar Card, Voter ID, Passport and driving license. 
  2. Aadhar card and Aadhar linkage with the bank is mandatory to receive the benefits of annual rate of interest subvention up to 3% on the purchase of refrigerated trucks.
  3. A letter of certification needs to be provided from the Block Development Officer (BDO) to support the claim for involvement in agriculture sector
  4. Pan card (Optional)
  5. Latest bank statement of 1 year (Optional)
  6. Trade license wherever, if available
  7. GST certificate and proof of return,  if available
  8. Any other document as specified by the department and financing bank.
  9.  

Planning, Investment Promotion & Sustainable Development Department, Government of Meghalaya, 

Departments

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