Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh, released a publication outlining standardised procedures for semen production and artificial insemination in pigs during his two-day visit to Sikkim on November 2.
The publication, titled “Minimum Standard Protocol for Semen Production and Standard Operating Procedures for Artificial Insemination using Liquid Semen in Pigs”, aims to promote scientific breeding practices, accelerate genetic improvement and enhance livelihood opportunities for pig farmers, particularly in the northeastern region.
The protocol provides a comprehensive framework covering semen production, quality assurance, biosecurity, preservation, transportation and artificial insemination practices. It also establishes standardised procedures for setting up and operating pig semen production laboratories and delivering artificial insemination services across the country.
According to the 20th Livestock Census (2019), India has a pig population of 9.06 million, accounting for 1.7 per cent of the country’s total livestock population.
The northeastern region accounts for nearly 45 per cent of India’s pig population, making it a major centre of pig farming. Indigenous and non-descript breeds constitute around 79 per cent of the national pig population, indicating considerable potential for genetic improvement through scientific breeding practices.
The initiative seeks to improve access to quality germplasm, advanced breeding technologies and artificial insemination services to enhance productivity, increase pork production and strengthen the livelihoods of smallholder pig farmers, particularly in northeastern states.
The publication is intended to serve as a practical guide for State governments, veterinarians, breeding centres and farmers to encourage the wider adoption of artificial insemination and modern breeding techniques.
It covers the entire artificial insemination process, including breeding boar selection, semen collection, evaluation, processing, storage and transportation, laboratory quality management, disease prevention and biosecurity measures.
The protocol is expected to improve reproductive efficiency, accelerate genetic improvement and support the conservation and upgrading of indigenous pig germplasm, particularly in the Northeast.
Its implementation is also expected to increase the availability of superior breeding material, improve the productivity and profitability of pig farming enterprises and contribute to higher pork production.
The initiative is aimed at generating livelihood opportunities and supporting the sustainable development of the pig farming sector, especially in the northeastern region.
-PIB
