Bird flu crisis: Alappuzha duck farmers face ban fear; Kerala govt seeks special package
Alappuzha: Duck farmers in Alappuzha district are in crisis following stringent measures aimed at controlling bird flu outbreaks. The Kerala government's decision to prohibit duck farming until 2025 has sparked distress among many farmers, who argue that these restrictions are causing significant hardship. Farmers contend that culling and bans offer no permanent solution to the issue.
Meanwhile, the Kerala government has appealed to the central government for a special relief package to aid affected duck and chicken farmers in Kuttanad and surrounding areas. Minister J Chinchurani formally submitted a plea to the Centre, seeking financial assistance to mitigate the substantial losses incurred by these farmers.
During discussions in Delhi, Minister Chinchurani met with Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Rajeev Ranjan Singh, and Minister of State George Kurien, urging for immediate financial support.
Kerala has also proposed implementing preventive vaccination programmes for ducks and chickens in affected regions to safeguard traditional duck farming practices in Kuttanad. The state government has requested a budget allocation of Rs 6.2 crores from the central government to compensate for losses due to bird flu and African swine fever. Additionally, there is a call for the establishment of a regional bird flu monitoring lab (BSL-3 laboratory) at the State Institute for Animal Diseases in Palode under the Animal Husbandry Department of Kerala for bird flu testing. There is also a demand for the recognition of phenotypically distinct duck varieties like 'Chara’ and ‘Chemballi’ to be acknowledged as new breed known as Kuttanad ducks. Allocation of further funds for the operation of mobile veterinary units has also been requested.
To enhance livestock development, Kerala has proposed a Rs 22 crore initiative to import, breed, and distribute high-quality goats and pigs, promote fodder cultivation, and support farmers under the National Livestock Mission schemes.