Indian pork industry benefits from UK pig semen
The project is an effort to improve breeding stock and to produce better-quality pork in India.
The first shipment of frozen porcine semen was successfully sent and will be used by the Punjabi Government to help develop a high-health nucleus of pure-bred pigs. A second order has already been placed.
The UK’s Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has praised the initiative, claiming that it demonstrates the expertise of the British pig sector.
‘Essential’ development
“This important development shows how we can lead in agri-tech ventures,” commented Jean-Pierre Garnier, head of exports for AHDB. “This success was achieved against strong competition from other major pork producing countries.
“With India due to become the most populated country in the world over the next few years and with a rapidly increasing demand for high-quality, safe meat, this type of development is essential.”
This project is part of a large-scale development in the Punjabi pig sector, which AHDB believes could open up export opportunities.
The development comes after three years of targeted market activities in Punjab, which involved delegates from the region and from the UK visiting one another.
Christopher Jackson, export manager for the British Pig Association, added: “We have built strong relationships with key Punjabi government officials. They are keen to use British pig expertise to develop their industry. This is a great opportunity for the entire British pig industry.”
