Estimating the loss caused by cyclone Hudhud to layer poultry industry in the north coastal districts at Rs.100 crore, National Egg Coordination Committee has sought support for its revival.
NECC national executive member Bharanikana Rama Rao has said the severe damage to the layer poultry farms in the three districts will have its impact on agriculture as well as supply of nutritious food supplements to schoolchildren.
Of the 16.86 lakh layer birds that perished in the cyclone, nearly 14 lakh were from Visakhapatnam district alone. With roofs blown away, sheds collapsing and power connections snapping the damage occurred within hours of the cyclone’s landfall in Visakhapatnam.
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Thousands of people have been rendered jobless because of the loss. Besides, the damage to the industry will adversely impact agriculture as consumption of maize, soya, ragi and broken rice as poultry feed and de-oiled rice bran and oilcake etc. will be affected, Mr. Rama Rao has said stressing the need for its immediate revival not confining to compensation aspects.
Plea for moratorium While supply of eggs in the three districts will suffer, it will also hit the nutrition component in the mid-day meal being provided in schools, he points out.
Since it costs Rs.600 to raise a bird, Mr. Rama Rao has said for each bird lost Rs.150 should be paid. Banks and financial institutions should declare a moratorium for one year and reduce interest rate to 5 per cent next year. Capital loans and term loans should be extended to the industry.
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The government should remove VAT on poultry equipment and cages. To help quicker revival of the industry, 50 per cent subsidy should be provided on poultry medicine and feed and equipment should be supplied at subsidised rates, Mr. Rama Rao has urged.
He has said that he will discuss the crisis faced by the industry with NECC Chairperson Anuradha Desai for possible solutions.