Cabinet Paper drafted to provide loans for restarting piggeries: Minister

Colombo, December 16 (Daily Mirror) - A Cabinet Paper has been drafted to provide concessionary loan facilities for farmers affected by disruptions to their piggeries by the spread of the African Swine Disease in the country, Agriculture and Livestock Deputy Minister Namal Karunaratne said.

According to the Department of Animal Production and Health, the disease, which initially affected wild boars, has started to spread to piggaries. Hence, steps are being taken to contain the disease.

Addressing the media, Minister Karunaratne said many piggeries have been closed, causing difficulties during the upcoming festive season. Therefore, the government has decided to restart the industry while supporting the piggery owners. However, before restarting the industry, a streamlined process must be implemented to eliminate the virus, he said.

Due to the closure of piggeries, farmers are facing severe financial difficulties. Therefore, the Ministry has decided to draft a Cabinet Paper to assist farmers in restarting their piggeries, the Minister said.

"According to the draft Cabinet Paper, a one-year grace period will be provided for a loan category at a lower interest rate. Additionally, a two-year grace period is proposed for another loan category at a similarly reduced interest rate. It was also suggested that the government bear a certain percentage of the cost when supplying pigs to farmers," the Minister said.

"Fortunately, the African Swine Fever has not spread to all piggeries in the country, with the Trincomalee district remaining unaffected," he said.