Rs 500m released to compensate poultry farmers hit by bird flu

KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Environment has released Rs 500 million to the Department of Livestock Services to compensate poultry farmers affected by a recent bird flu outbreak in several districts.

The Department had requested the funds to cover financial losses after mass culling and disposal of infected birds and products. Dr Mukul Upadhyay, a Department spokesperson, said, “The released funds will be used to provide compensation up to 75% of the loss to the affected poultry farmers.”

Authorities report that about 700,000 birds, 1.1 million eggs and 300,000 kg of feed were destroyed in districts where infections were detected, including Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Kavrepalanchok, Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Mahottari, Bara, Chitwan and Nawalparasi. The damage is estimated at Rs 700 million.

The Bird Flu Disease Control (Fourth Amendment) 2074 allows compensation of up to 75% of assessed losses for owners after evaluation of culled poultry, poultry products and bird feed. The Department will carry out assessments and disburse payments in line with that provision.

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