Economic Sustainability and Competitiveness of Small Pig Farms of Assam
Abstract
Background: The profitability of pig farming, especially in small-scale operations like those in Assam, depends on the efficient use of inputs such as labour, feed and healthcare and the effectiveness of converting these into productive outputs like meat yield and herd productivity. Bench-marking against industry standards and peers is crucial for assessing and improving operational efficiency, fostering continuous improvement and enhancing competitiveness. Competitiveness involves producing high-quality products at lower costs, requiring a balanced focus on resource management, process optimization and performance metrics to ensure long-term viability and success in a competitive market. The need for continuous improvement is urgent and vital for the sustainability of the industry. Methods: The study employed a thorough methodology to assess the economic sustainability and competitiveness of pig farming in Assam, using the Principle-Criterion-Indicator (PCI) framework for a structured evaluation. Conducted across four agroclimatic zones, which house about 95% of the state's pig population, the research involved two phases: indicator identification and validation, followed by data collection and analysis. The study was conducted using an aggregate score for each identified principle of sustainability as Pscore and, subsequently, a consolidated score to determine the overall economic sustainability index. Result: Small pig farms in Assam, characterized by a low-cost, low-input approach, enjoy competitive pricing advantages but face significant efficiency challenges in parameters like feed conversion, mortality and days to slaughter compared to global standards. These farms must address gaps in nutrition and veterinary care to improve animal welfare and overall performance. Despite these challenges, pig farming significantly impacts the local economy and by embracing new technologies and practices, Assam's small pig farms can enhance their efficiency, competitiveness and long-term sustainability.