KATHMANDU: The Department of Livestock Services has completed preparations to distribute Rs 520 million in compensation to poultry farmers who suffered losses due to bird flu outbreaks in 11 districts. The relief is expected to be disbursed within a week.
The compensation will cover up to 75 percent of the verified losses incurred by farmers. As part of efforts to contain the disease, authorities culled infected poultry and destroyed eggs and poultry feed.
Department spokesperson Mukul Upadhyay said the relief amount would be transferred directly to the bank accounts of eligible farmers whose claims have been verified following the submission of applications.
He added that farmers who are unable to submit their claims within the current fiscal year will be eligible to receive compensation in the next fiscal year. The amount is determined in accordance with the Bird Flu Control Regulation, which provides for compensation based on a verification of losses.
Upadhyay urged affected poultry farmers to submit their applications to the respective District Livestock Service Office along with documents confirming the destruction of poultry, eggs and feed.
The districts most affected by bird flu are Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Kavrepalanchok, Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Mahottari, Bara, Chitwan and Nawalparasi.
So far, the government has culled nearly 700,000 birds and destroyed around 1.1 million eggs and 330 tonnes of poultry feed to contain the outbreak. Total losses suffered by poultry farmers are estimated at nearly Rs 700 million.
Comment