Govt to compensate cattle farmers for LSD losses

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Sept 19: The state government has assured to pay compensation to cattle farmers after over 9,000 cattle have been affected by the Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) in the State.

Replying in the Assembly today, Minister in-charge Animal Husbandry & Veterinary AL Hek said no compensation has been provided to cattle farmers in the wake of LSD.

However, when opposition VPP legislator from Nongkrem Ardent M Basaiawmoit sought to know if the government is contemplating providing compensation to cattle farmers, who were compelled to close down their farms due to LSD, Hek said, “Government is going to pay compensation (to cattle farmers).”

He said that over 9,000 cattle were affected by LSD in the State.

Hek also informed that four veterinary hospitals and 125 dispensaries are providing medicines and vaccination to cattle against the disease.

On the other hand, the minister informed that Rs 16,20,000 compensation was provided to farmers during 2020-21 for the deaths of 540 pigs due to African Swine Fever disease.

When Basaiawmoit alleged the swine fever disease happened ever since the government started distributing piglets, which are from outside the state,  Hek said, “We are not a self-sufficient State that is why we have to depend from outside the State.”

AIM against gambling in melas

The Awakening Indian Movement (AIM) has sought the intervention of the deputy commissioner of East Khasi Hills district to ensure a blanket ban on gambling at melas being organized by different agencies.

Speaking to media persons, chairman of AIM Bansharai Marbaniang said that many people from other part of the country come to Meghalaya to host various kinds of melas, however these melas have games that encourage gambling with money which is detrimental and have a negative impact on the welfare of the people.

Marbaniang alleged that melas throughout the country are being held in order to provide entertainment to all citizens where they can experience happiness especially for children, students, and youth but at present melas in Meghalaya are being held with gambling which have detrimental and a negative impact on the welfare of the people.

“During our visit to the mela held at the Parking Lot outside Polo Ground in Shillong, the mela hosted various gambling activities with money and young people and students in uniform participated in various gambling games” said Marbaniang.

Marbaniang said that AIM is not against organizing melas in the state, however it stands against the act of gambling that is being held at the venues hence the AIM sought the intervention into this matter.