Pork processing and marketing: A sunrise enterprise in Nagaland

Abstract

Nagaland is a North Eastern state of India with over 71% of its population dependent on agriculture and its allied sector. Its cultures and traditions are all symbolic to agriculture and livestock. In Nagaland, lowland rice cultivation is being followed in plain areas, whereas, Jhum farming is practiced in mid and high hill areas. Livestock sector contributes around 18% of the state gross domestic product of Nagaland. One or more species of livestock is kept by 71.14% in all Naga household. Pig rearing is being practiced by the tribal farmers since time immemorial and it is symbolic to the health and wealth of a Naga family. Pig accounts for 72% of total livestock in the state. Backyard pig rearing is characterized by zero or low levels of inputs and consequently low levels of production. Pig farming plays a pivotal role in supplementing family income and generating employment to the rural poor apart from efficient utilization of agricultural products and byproducts. Naga are known to consume highest pork in India. No meal is complete without pork in Nagaland.