Garhwal Post Bureau
Rishikesh, 28 Jun: In a landmark step towards animal welfare and scientific pig husbandry, Uttarakhand has developed India’s first Scientific Pig Housing Model Demonstration Unit. Developed jointly by the Department of Animal Husbandry, Government of Uttarakhand, and People for Animals–Public Policy Foundation (PFA-PPF), the pioneering training facility was inaugurated on 27 June at the Livestock Extension Officer Training Centre, Pashulok, Rishikesh, by Dr Udai Shankar, Director, Department of Animal Husbandry, Uttarakhand.
Designed as a life-sized, walk-through learning facility, the Demonstration Unit enables farmers and veterinary officers to experience scientific, animal welfare-based pig housing systems through life-sized models, educational displays and practical demonstrations – without the use of live animals.
The initiative comes at a time when African Swine Fever (ASF) continues to pose a serious threat to pig farming in India and across the world. The disease has a mortality rate of up to 100%, and under India’s National Action Plan for Prevention, Control and Containment of African Swine Fever, once an outbreak is confirmed, all pigs within a one-kilometre infected zone are required to be culled. In this context, strong biosecurity, hygienic housing and animal welfare-based husbandry practices are critical for preventing disease outbreaks and protecting farmers’ livelihoods. Scientific studies have also shown that pigs kept in stressful, restrictive housing have weaker immune systems, while welfare-oriented housing that allows them to express natural behaviours results in healthier, more resilient animals.
The Demonstration Unit showcases key welfare-oriented features including Group Housing, and Crate/Cage – free farrowing systems (for mother pigs with piglets). The systems feature nesting areas, heated creep areas for piglets and enhanced biosecurity measures. Together, these demonstrate how improved housing forms the foundation of better animal welfare, health, hygiene and sustainable pig farming.
Gauri Maulekhi, Trustee and Member Secretary, People for Animals–Public Policy Foundation, said: “The welfare of an animal begins with the space we provide it to live. A pig that can move freely, build a nest and express its natural behaviour is healthier, less stressed and better equipped to resist disease. Animal housing is not simply an infrastructure issue – it is the foundation of animal health and welfare. We hope this Demonstration Unit becomes a model that transforms pig housing across India.”
The Demonstration Unit will serve as a permanent training and capacity-building resource for veterinary officers and farmers across Uttarakhand. People for Animals–Public Policy Foundation extends gratitude to the Department of Animal Husbandry, Government of Uttarakhand, for their leadership and commitment in establishing this pioneering initiative, which can inspire similar efforts across the country.
