Ponda: The All Goa Poultry Farmers Association (AGPFA) has appealed to the government to revoke the ban imposed on entry of live and dressed chickens and eggs at Goa Border.
This demand was issued this request immediately after the government issued an order banning the entry of poultry and related products including eggs and chickens in view of bird flu.
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They submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister to this effect and called for the lifting of the ban on chicken and eggs.
AGPFA President, Sadanand Parsekar said that they had made this demand on behalf of the farmers across Goa, given that there is less production in Goa of these essential goods due to the lockdown.
He added that the news of the Avian influenza (bird flu) had shocked the poultry industries in Goa given that they have been battling false rumours that coronavirus can spread through consumption of chicken. Pointing out that this had led to a sudden drop in sales, he said in some situations, farmers were forced to sell their birds at a less rate. He lamented that just when the public were beginning to consume chicken again, they have suffered another setback with the latest order.
He also pointed out that due to the sealing of State borders; they were not able to get feed for the birds and due to the unavailability of such requirements, many of their birds had starved and died. This had caused heavy losses to the farmers who had to also dispose of the dead birds in pits.
AGPFA further added that poultry shops have been open in neighbouring States of Karnataka and Maharashtra and questioned why they had to be shut in Goa.
Their memorandum added, “We are hereby assured that there is no bird flu outbreak in the State of Goa from the beginning and also in the nearby districts of Maharashtra and Karnataka. The Government can depute the technical people to verify the health condition of the birds. Chickens and eggs are the main consumption in Goa after fish and it has helped locals build their immunity, which is essential in the present situation.”
Their memorandum also made reference to the upcoming Easter Celebrations and said it is necessary to make provision for chicken and eggs for the Catholic community and we have already received many calls from them for the same.
