JOIN USThe region needs a pig reproduction centre as there are hundreds of farmers, who are engaged in piggery. The proposal of constructing a pig reproduction and rearing centre at an estimated cost of Rs 30 lakh was passed by the then Animal Husbandry Minister B B Ningaiah in 1999. The foundation stone for the centre, was laid by the minister on Gandhi Jayanthi Day on same year. Following this, the construction work progressed during the year 1999-2000 under the supervision of Zilla Panchayat Engineering Division.
In the first phase in 1999-2000, a total of Rs 18 lakh was released and Rs 2.5 lakh was released in 2000-01. The Government released Rs 7.39 lakh in 2006-07 and Rs 1.23 lakh in 2009-10 for the centre. A total of Rs 29.12 lakh was already released for the construction of centre at various stages in 11 years. However, rearing has not been started even after 11 years due to the incompletion of building.
Speaking to Deccan Herald, Animal Husbandry Department Assistant Director Dr Pradeep said that the Zilla Panchayat has not handed over the building to the Department. “We have already sent letter to the Zilla Panchayat Executive Engineer in this regard,” he added.
The Department has already reserved Rs 10 lakh to purchase pig offsprings, feeds and other equipment. Once the building was handed over, the centre will be made functional immediately, Pradeep informed. Different varieties of pig offsprings including Large White and Yorkshire will be distributed from the centre, he added.