Devastating Impact of African Swine Fever on Mizoram's Economy

Mizoram faced significant financial setbacks amounting to Rs 114.64 crore due to African Swine Fever (ASF), which led to the death of over 9,700 pigs in 2025. The outbreak affected more than 12,500 families and prompted the culling of thousands of pigs to mitigate its spread.

The northeastern state of Mizoram is grappling with the severe economic repercussions of the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak that has claimed the lives of 9,711 pigs in 2025 alone, amounting to a financial loss of Rs 114.64 crore. An official from the state's Animal Husbandry and Veterinary department confirmed the outbreak's widespread impact on local farmers.

Deputy Director Esther Lalzoliani Ralte revealed to PTI that since ASF's initial detection in Lungsen village near the Bangladesh border in 2021, the death toll has reached a staggering 72,012 pigs. Despite efforts to halt the virus's spread, 52,979 pigs were culled, causing disruptions to over 12,500 families and inflating losses to Rs 1,011.27 crore over the years.

Compensation efforts are underway, with over Rs 14.51 crore already distributed to affected farmers, thanks to joint contributions from the Centre and state government. However, the scope of the crisis continues, with Ralte noting that 2024 witnessed the highest financial loss of Rs 336.4 crore due to ASF alone, and similar outbreaks like Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome have further burdened the state's pig farming community.

(With inputs from agencies.)