With bird flu leading to a substantial impact on prices of poultry products in the country, two Central packages are likely to be announced within the next 10 days even as West Bengal urged the Centre to create a special fund to rehabilitate families of traders who have suffered due to the culling of chicken.
In New Delhi, Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar said the Centre is likely announce two packages -- one for the farmers in West Bengal and the other for poultry industry -- in the next 8-10 days.
He said since the poultry industry throughout the country has been affected, a different approach is needed.
Pawar, however, expressed surprise over the ban imposed by the West Bengal government on movement of poultry from the state.
"It's the first time that such a decision has been taken. I will try to understand what is the thinking behind the decision before reacting."
West Bengal Animal Resources Development Minister Anisur Rahaman said bird flu has caused a damage of about Rs 500 crore and demanded an aid of Rs 250 crore from the Centre to cover up the extensive losses.
Culling ended in the state on Tuesday, but directives have been sent to all affected districts to complete mopping operations within February 10, Rahaman said in Kolkata.
Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya has sought Central assistance to create a special fund to rehabilitate thousands of families of poultry owners who have suffered due to the culling of chicken.
"I have sought the prime minister's help for a special fund to take care of the affected poultry owners," Bhattacharjee said after meeting Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi.
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