Piggery Farming and Improved Housing Management: Strengthening Livelihoods and Food Security among Tribal Women of Sankarghola and Ghilaguri, Bongaigaon District, Assam
From Traditional Piggery to a Sustainable Livelihood
For many tribal households in the villages of Sankarghola and Ghilaguri in Bongaigaon district of Assam, livestock rearing has traditionally been an important part of rural life. Among the different livestock enterprises, piggery i.e., local indigenous pigs; locally known as ‘Jelpa’ has particular significance because these pigs can be reared with locally available feed resources, require comparatively low initial investment and provide regular income through the sale of piglets and mature pigs.
However, traditional pig-rearing practices were often associated with inadequate housing, poor sanitation, limited ventilation, improper waste management and insufficient attention to animal health. These challenges affected pig growth, increased the risk of disease and reduced the economic returns available to farming families.
Recognizing the potential of piggery as a livelihood activity, tribal women of Sankarghola and Ghilaguri were encouraged and supported to adopt improved piggery practices, with particular emphasis on scientific pig housing, hygiene, feeding, health care and overall farm management.