Natural and Organic Pig Production Scenario

Pigs are one of the most commonly raised animals in the world. They are the primary protein source for millions of people across numerous different cultures and geographical regions. In 2022, there were over 784 million pigs worldwide, increasing from around 750 million heads in the previous year. Although China produces the highest number of pigs of any country, the European Union leads the world in terms of pork exports, exporting over 3.7 million metric tons of pork in 2023. The United States is the second largest exporter of pork, at about three million metric tons. Pork production in India is estimated at 0.6 million tons. Pig husbandry has been an integral part of agriculture and rural livelihoods in Southeast Asia, Oriental, and India for centuries. These regions have a rich history of pig domestication and have developed unique husbandry practices that are tailored to their respective environments, cultural traditions, and economic needs. Pig husbandry plays a significant socio-economic role in Southeast Asia, Oriental, and India. Pork is a staple food in many of these regions and constitutes a significant portion of the protein intake for the local population. Additionally, pig farming provides employment and income generation opportunities for smallholder farmers, contributing to rural livelihoods and poverty reduction.

Overview of pig husbandry practices

Southeast Asia: Pig husbandry in this region revolves around small-scale, backyard systems, where pigs are raised by smallholder farmers. Pigs in Southeast Asia are typically kept in free-range or semi-intensive systems, allowing them to forage on local vegetation, agricultural residues, and kitchen scraps. This practice not only reduces feed costs but also aids in waste management. Traditional knowledge and cultural practices play a significant role in swine management, with farmers employing practices that have been passed down through generations.

Oriental: The Oriental region, which includes countries like China, Japan, and Korea, has a long history of pig domestication. Pig farming in Oriental countries ranges from extensive systems in rural areas to intensive operations in more urbanized settings. Intensive pig farming is more common in densely populated areas where land availability is limited, while extensive systems are practiced in rural regions with more available space. In Oriental countries, there has been a concerted effort to improve pig genetics through selective breeding and the development of hybrid breeds. The focus is often on enhancing growth rates, feed efficiency, and meat quality to meet the growing demand for pork. Intensive systems often utilize modern technologies and management practices, whereas extensive systems capitalize on traditional methods.

Status of natural / organic pig farming: In China, natural farming and organic farming have been steadily growing. Organic pig farming practices in China focus on minimizing the use of synthetic chemicals and promoting animal welfare. Organic farming in Japan has a long history, with several traditional farming practices already aligned with organic principles. The Japanese government has been providing support to farmers adopting organic methods through subsidies and certification programs. Organic pig farming in Japan has gained popularity due to consumer preferences for high-quality, safe, and traceable pork. Organic pig farms in Japan often emphasize environmentally friendly practices, and some may integrate traditional Japanese agricultural methods with organic principles. Organic pig farms in Korea often focus on providing a natural environment for the pigs, avoiding the use of antibiotics or synthetic growth promoters, and offering organic feed options.

Natural Vs Organic Vs Conventional pig farming

Natural Farming: Natural farming, also known as zero-budget natural farming, is a farming approach that emphasizes minimal external inputs and relies on locally available resources. It aims to mimic natural processes and cycles to create a sustainable and self-sufficient agricultural system. In pig husbandry, natural farming involves providing pigs with a natural, chemical-free environment, and utilizing locally available resources for feed and waste management. This definition suits more with the agricultural operations, but in pig husbandry natural farming may be defined as the chemical free husbandry based on indigenous breeds for climatic resilience using locally available resources and on-farm biomass recycling.

Organic Farming: Organic farming is a method that prohibits the use of synthetic chemicals, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and antibiotics. Instead, it relies on organic inputs, such as organic feed, natural fertilizers, and environmentally friendly pest control methods. Organic pig farming emphasizes animal welfare, sustainable practices, and the promotion of biodiversity. Organic pig husbandry allows use of indigenous or exotic breeds but the feed ingredients need to be organically certified. The source of inputs need not be locally raised as required in natural farming, but it need to grown purely on organic conditions.

Conventional Farming: Conventional farming is the most widely practiced form of farming globally and typically involves the use of synthetic inputs such as chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and antibiotics. In conventional pig farming, pigs may be raised in intensive systems with limited access to outdoor spaces and may receive growth promoters and antibiotics to maximize production. Intensive systems often involve the use of confinement housing, high stocking densities, and the feeding of commercial feeds. Such systems prioritize high production and profitability but often neglect the welfare of the animals and long-term environmental sustainability.

Comparisons

Inputs: Natural farming and organic farming avoid synthetic inputs, while conventional farming utilizes synthetic chemicals and antibiotics.

Sustainability: Natural and organic farming prioritize sustainability and aim to minimize environmental impacts, whereas conventional farming may have higher environmental footprints due to chemical inputs and intensive practices.

Animal Welfare: Natural farming and organic farming generally prioritize animal welfare, providing pigs with more natural living conditions and avoiding routine use of antibiotics.

Market and Consumer Preference: Organic products often have a premium market due to consumer demand for environmentally-friendly and healthier options. Natural farming products may appeal to consumers looking for eco-friendly and chemical-free alternatives. Conventional products may cater to consumers seeking affordable options.

Production Yield: Conventional farming often focuses on maximizing production yield through intensive practices and use of growth promoters, while natural and organic farming may have slightly lower production yields due to reduced inputs and slower growth rates.