Constraints Analysis of Small Scale Pig Farming in Dhemaji District of Assam

A study on the major constraints faced by the small scale pig farmers was conducted in 5 development blocks of Dhemaji district of Assam. Atotal of 125 farmer respondents comprising 25 farmers from each block were randomly selected based on their experience on pig farming. A schedule enlisting different constraints under five major heads viz. breeding, feeding, healthcare, marketing and miscellaneous including management were prepared. The low productivity of indigenous pig was the major breeding constraint with highest mean score (73.9) followed by non availability of improved pig breed (70.4). The lack of knowledge of feeding balanced ration was the most important constraints with a mean score of 76.1 and ranked first among the different feeding constraints. Mortality of pigs due to unidentified contagious diseases was the most important healthcare constraint faced by the small scale pig farmers of the district with a mean score of 70.0. Non existence of organized market facility was marked as the major constraint (mean score 76.0) in marketing of pigs. Shortage of operating capital and inadequate access to credit institution were identified as the highest constraints among miscellaneous constraints studied need to be address to increase the income of farm family.