Nepal Releases Rs 500 Million to Compensate Bird Flu-Affected Farmers

Kathmandu-Nepal’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Environment has released Rs 500 million (50 crore) to the Department of Livestock Services to compensate farmers affected by the ongoing bird flu outbreak.The ministry allocated the funds to distribute compensation for poultry, eggs and feed destroyed as part of disease control measures in 11 bird flu-affected districts. The Department had requested financial support from the ministry to provide relief to farmers who suffered losses due to the outbreak.Department spokesperson Dr. Mukul Upadhyay said affected farmers will receive up to 75 percent compensation for their verified losses. According to the Department, approximately 700,000 birds, 1.1 million eggs, and 300,000 kilograms of poultry feed have been destroyed in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Kavrepalanchok, Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Mahottari, Bara, Chitwan, and Nawalparasi after bird flu was confirmed in those districts.

The outbreak has caused an estimated Rs 700 million (70 crore) in economic losses.Under the Bird Flu Control Regulation (Fourth Amendment), 2017, owners are entitled to receive compensation of up to 75 percent of the assessed value of culled birds, poultry products and related materials based on verified damage.

The bird flu outbreak first emerged in eastern Nepal in mid-March and has since spread to 11 districts. Dr. Upadhyay said poultry, eggs and feed were destroyed to contain the disease and prevent further spread, as the virus has the potential to mutate into more dangerous forms.To strengthen the response, the Department has established a Bird Flu Control Unit led by its Deputy Director General. Authorities at the federal, provincial and local levels are continuing coordinated efforts to contain the outbreak in affected areas.