The region needs a pig reproduction centre as there are hundreds of farmers, who are engaged in piggery. The proposal for a pig reproduction and rearing centre at an estimated cost of Rs3 million was passed by the then Animal Husbandry Minister B B Ningaiah in 1999.

The foundation stone for the centre was laid by the minister on Gandhi Jayanthi Day in the same year.

Following this, the construction work progressed during 1999-2000 under the supervision of Zilla Panchayat Engineering Division.

In the first phase in 1999-2000, a total of Rs 180,000 was released and Rs 250,000 was released in 2000-01. The Government released Rs 739,000 in 2006-07 and Rs 1.23 lakh in 2009-10 for the centre.

A total of Rs 2.9 million was released for the construction of the centre at various stages over the 11 years.

However, rearing has not been started even after 11 years because the building work has not been completed.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Animal Husbandry Department Assistant Director Dr Pradeep said that the Zilla Panchayat has not handed over the building to the Department.

“We have already sent letter to the Zilla Panchayat Executive Engineer in this regard,” he added.

The Department has already reserved Rs 1 million to buy young pigs, feed and other equipment. Once the building is handed over, the centre will be made functional immediately, Pradeep said. Different varieties of pigs including Large White and Yorkshire will be distributed from the centre, he added.