Yakubu Busari
The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) in Plateau has decried the non-compensation of its members whose farms were affected by bird flu in 2015 and 2016.
Chairman of the association in the state, Mr. John Dasar stated this while briefing newsmen to mark 2016 world egg day in Jos.
According to Dasar, over 200 farmers were affected by the outbreak of the hydra-headed disease in 2015 and early 2016.
He explained that over 50 per cent of the affected farmers were yet to be compensated by government.
“In 2015 there was an outbreak of bird flu; the diseases re-occurred in the early part of 2016 and raked havoc on a combined total of 200 farmers on the Plateau.
“We saw the good intention of the Federal Government to compensate the affected victims but why they stopped half way gives us a serious cause to worry.
“Out of the over 200 farmers affected by the disease, 50 per cent of them are yet to be paid compensation despite all pleadings and outcry by this association.
“It is sad to mention that this has resulted to the death of few of our farmers who couldn’t bear the shock of the whole circumstances,” Dasar said.
The chairman added the development has dampened the morale of farmers, as most of those affected couldn’t continue in the business for lack of financial capabilities.
Dasar commended the affected farmers for their patience and forbearance, and pleaded that they continue to be patient as the association was doing all within its powers to get them compensated.
He explained that the association decided to celebrate the 2016 world egg day in a low key so as to empathize with their members who are affected by bird flu and had not been compensated.
