Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh releases a protocol for scientific pig breeding, aiming to improve reproductive efficiency and genetic improvement in the North-Eastern Region. The initiative covers the entire pig artificial insemination value chain and is expected to boost pork production and livelihood generation.
On November 2, 2026, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, released a publication titled ‘Minimum Standard Protocol for Semen Production and Standard Operating Procedures for Artificial Insemination using Liquid Semen in Pigs’. This initiative is designed to promote scientific pig breeding, facilitate genetic improvement, and enhance livelihood opportunities in the North-Eastern Region (NER).
The newly released protocol offers a detailed framework for scientific semen production, quality assurance, biosecurity, semen preservation, transportation, and artificial insemination practices in pigs. It outlines standardized procedures for establishing and operating pig semen production laboratories and delivering efficient artificial insemination services across the states.
India has a pig population of 9.06 million as per the 20th Livestock Census (2019), accounting for 1.7% of the country's total livestock population. While pigs are reared across all agro-climatic regions, the North-Eastern Region remains the heartland of pig farming in India, contributing nearly 45% of the national pig population. The region is also home to a significant proportion of indigenous and non-descript pigs, highlighting the substantial potential for genetic improvement through scientific breeding interventions.
The publication covers various aspects of the pig artificial insemination value chain, including breeding boar selection, semen collection, evaluation, processing, storage, and transportation, laboratory quality management, disease prevention, and biosecurity measures. It is expected to improve reproductive efficiency, accelerate genetic improvement, and support the conservation and upgrading of indigenous pig germplasm prevalent in the North-East.
The initiative aims to serve as a practical guide for States, veterinarians, breeding centres, and farmers to facilitate the wider adoption of artificial insemination and modern breeding practices. Its implementation is expected to enhance the availability of superior breeding material and improve the productivity and profitability of pig farming enterprises.
The publication is available on the official website of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Government of India, at https://www.dahd.gov.in/.
Source:
Press Information Bureau
