Profitability and Problems of Commercial Pig Farming in Punjab

The present study aims to analyse the profitability of commercial piggery enterprises and constraints faced by pig rearers during production and marketing in Punjab. Using semi-structured interview schedules, primary data were collected from a sample of 30 farmers of Ludhiana, Sangrur and Barnala districts. Analysis of data revealed that, cost of shed construction accounted for 65 per cent of the initial outlay of average commercial piggery farm in Punjab. Expenses on feed was observed to be the major cost which accounted for about 81 per cent of annual total costs on the sample farms. Finisher pigs contributed to majority of the sales as well as gross returns. On average farm, a rupee spent in piggery enterprise earned net profit of Rs. 0.28. Costly labour and its shortage, lack of quality breeding stock, low demand, poor market infrastructure, inadequate support from government and lack of local processing units were the most serious problems faced by the pig rearers in the state.