Pig Farming: A successful and profitable venture

Abstract

Pig is the only species of livestock from which major portion of the total investments made for establishing the farm can be earned back within 1½ – 2 years. Thus, the farmer is assured of getting over 60 per cent of profit margin from a marginal piggery unit. As a thumb rule, pigs have to put on more than 10 kg of body weight per month by consuming concentrate feed or agricultural byproducts or processed wastes from food industries. Though the white pigs have the western origin (temperate climate), they are better adapted to the Indian agro-climatic conditions. Nevertheless, the Large White Yorkshire breed is the widely accepted breed for pork (bacon, a cured meat from the back and side portions of the pig) production in the global scenario. Strategies have also been formulated to produce lean meat from synthetic strains of pigs through recent research approach, which would create better export opportunities. Hence, farmers without any doubt, can venture into farming this prolific species for their livelihood as well to contribute more to the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) to which contribution from livestock sector is, now-a-days, on the increase (from 4 to 8%).