(a) whether the Government is making any assessment of the loss suffered by poultry
industry in the county;
(b) if so, the details thereof indicating the total amount of loss suffered during
the last three years and thereafter till date, State-wise;
(c) whether the worst affected States have been identified in this regard;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to promote poultry industry during the current year?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI TASLIMUDDIN)
(a )&(b): The Government does not assess losses suffered by poultry industry due
to routine management lapses. However, a compensation of Rs.785.12 lakhs was
provided as compensation to poultry farmers in Maharashtra, Gujarat and Madhya
Pradesh due to culling of bird and destruction of feed in the wake of occurrence
of bird flu in these States. In the case of outbreak of bird flu in Manipur, an
amount of Rs.70.00 lakhs (approx.) has been paid as compensation to the concerned
poultry farmers.
(c)&(d): The States of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Manipur were
the worst affected due to occurrence of bird flu in these States.
(e): The Government is implementing a Centrally Sponsored Scheme on
‘Assistance to State Poultry/Duck Farms’ to strengthen the existing State Government
Farms for promotion of backyard poultry production. Further, the ‘Dairy/Poultry
Venture Capital Fund’ provides financial assistance to individuals interested in
taking up poultry farming. The Central Poultry Development Organisations provide
training to farmers in various aspects of poultry farming in their respective regions.
The Government has also allowed import of maize at nil duty till 31.12.2007 to increase
its availability for use in poultry feed.