Poultry farmers in Navapur, Maharashtra, have not received compensation more than 20 days after culling operations began due to bird flu. Over 4 lakh chickens were culled between May 1 and May 17.
Navapur in Nandurbar district supplies nearly 10 lakh eggs daily to several cities. From May 1 to May 17, authorities culled 4,06,682 chickens and destroyed 24,91,723 eggs along with 5,48,958 kg of feed.
Farmers say compensation has not arrived unlike in past outbreaks. Arief Balesaria of the Navapur Poultry Association stated that previous payments came within 48 hours but now officials cite a lack of funds.
The association has asked for higher rates of Rs 300-350 per bird and an insurance scheme. Officials confirmed that backyard poultry culling is delayed for the same reason.
