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.”