Pig Breeding: Centre Issues Protocol for AI with Liquid Semen

The Centre has issued a rulebook for scientific pig breeding. Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, Union Minister of 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" on 2 November 2026, while on a two-day visit to Sikkim. The ministry announced it on 6 November 2026.

What the document does

The protocol sets out a complete framework for producing pig semen on scientific lines and for using it. It covers quality assurance, biosecurity, preservation of semen, its transport and the practice of artificial insemination (AI). It also lays down uniform procedures for setting up and running pig semen laboratories and for delivering AI services efficiently in every State. The aim is to spread scientific breeding, speed up genetic improvement and widen livelihood options for pig farmers, especially in the North-Eastern Region (NER).

Why pigs, and why the North-East

Pigs are reared in every agro-climatic zone of the country, but the North-East is the heart of pig farming. Because nearly four out of five pigs are indigenous or non-descript, there is wide room to raise productivity through better breeding. Access to quality germplasm, modern breeding technology and AI services is therefore seen as the key to more pork, higher output and better incomes for smallholders.

The value chain it covers

• Selection of breeding boars
• Collecting, evaluating, processing, storing and transporting semen
• Quality management in the laboratory
• Disease prevention and biosecurity

Expected gains

States, veterinarians, breeding centres and farmers can use the protocol as a practical guide. It is expected to improve reproductive efficiency, hasten genetic gain and help conserve and upgrade the indigenous pig germplasm of the North-East. Wider availability of superior breeding stock should make pig farming more productive and profitable and support sustainable growth of the sector. The PDF is hosted on the website of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD).