Sivasagar: The much-publicised pig meat processing plant at Nazira in Sivasagar district, inaugurated by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on March 12, 2024, is yet to become operational, triggering concerns over the government’s planning, execution and follow-up of the project.
The state-of-the-art facility, spread across eight bighas of land, was constructed with a combined central and state government investment of Rs 11.44 crore. The project was envisioned to boost Assam’s piggery sector by catering to the growing demand in the Northeast and exporting processed pig meat to Southeast Asian countries, thereby directly benefiting local farmers.
At the inauguration, Chief Minister Sarma had outlined an ambitious roadmap, stating that the plant would initially operate on a small scale before evolving into a major brand. He had said the facility would require 200–300 pigs daily, noting that Sivasagar district alone has nearly 60,000 pigs. The government had also promised the supply of improved piglets, promotion of captive pig farming and procurement of pigs at minimum support prices.
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According to official projections, the plant was expected to benefit nearly 16,000 families across Assam and generate direct employment for around 100 people. As part of the Centre’s Act East Policy, the processed meat was to be exported to countries including Myanmar, China, Laos, Cambodia, Bhutan, the Philippines, Vietnam and Singapore, besides select Western markets.
However, nearly a year after its inauguration, the plant remains non-functional, drawing criticism and raising questions about coordination and accountability. The project has increasingly been termed a “white elephant” by locals.
When contacted, officials at the District Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Office, Nazira, claimed to have no information about the project and advised approaching the Assam Livestock and Poultry Corporation in Guwahati. The lack of awareness at the district level regarding a multi-crore project under the same department has further fueled public concern.
Local residents and farmers have now demanded the immediate activation of the long-delayed plant, urging the government to translate promises into action and ensure that the project delivers its intended economic and employment benefits.
