Bailout package on the cards for poultry farmers

INDIA - Farm minister Sharad Pawar met PM Manmohan Singh here on Monday with a high-powered delegation to chalk out a comprehensive rehab package for poultry farmers affected by bird flu.

Mr Pawar is understood to have told the PM that bird flu incidence was localised and has been by and large contained by now.

Indications that the Centre would moot to states mandatory vaccination against key livestock and poultry diseases came towards end last month.

At the time, animal husbandry commissioner SK Bandopadhyaya had stressed that there were many logistical difficulties involved but the Centre would also lay the ground rules for a rehab package in affected states.

Source: Economic Times

14 March 2006