Date:07/02/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/02/07/stories/2008020755091400.htm

National

Compensation rates hiked

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The Centre has enhanced the compensation given to farmers for culled poultry birds. The new rate would be applicable with prospective effect.

The new compensation rates envisage a Rs 10 hike for a lair, broiler and chick. Ducks and geese will fetch Rs 75 each against Rs 40 earlier. The compensation for a turkey is set at Rs 160.

Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar said a two-part rehabilitation package was being worked out.

One would be for all poultry farmers and industry and the other for backyard farmers in West Bengal where 35.81 lakh poultry had been culled so far in 13 bird flu-affected districts.

While Assam had begun preventive culling of birds in two districts, Bihar and Jharkhand would begin soon, the Minister said.

“Culling in West Bengal is nearly over. We took a conscious decision for preventive culling in the States adjoining West Bengal,” he said.

Mr Pawar, who reviewed the bird flu situation on Wednesday, said the rehabilitation package for poultry industry and farmers would be finalised in eight to 10 days.

Anthrax infection

Five persons died of anthrax infection in Koraput in Orissa.

Five others were infected with the disease in Nellore in Andhra Pradesh.