At least 26 farmers whose farms were affected by the Bird Flu influenza between 2015 and 2016 have been compensated with N42million by the Federal Government through the Lagos State Government.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Oluwatoyin Suarau disclosed that the compensation was given in order to reduce the effect of farm depopulation on farmers as well as encourage them on timely reporting of bird flu or any suspected epidemic in future.
In his words, “26 farms with about 80,165 depopulated birds have been compensated in cash according to their losses. The compensation is a step in the right direction to reposition the affected farmers and ensure that they remain active in the poultry value chain production”.
Suarau reiterated that the present Administration is committed to ensuring that the State remains food-secure by working tirelessly with the Federal Government to adequately compensate affected farmers for the loss suffered during the outbreak. The Commissioner, however, commended the farmers for the support and cooperation they gave to the government as they willingly surrendered their birds for depopulation to curb the spread of the disease.
He informed that the State Government has fully demonstrated its all-inclusive system of governance as it has carried along farmers in the fight against the deadly disease, stressing that “Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has demonstrated the all-inclusive system of his administration as a means of fulfilling the promises made to its citizens”.
Suarau assured that the government will continue to be supportive to the farmers so as to overcome all challenges threatening the availability of food supply in the State.
“I wish to emphasize that the Lagos State Government will continue to give all necessary support to farmers in the State so as to tackle the challenges in the agriculture value chain. Through the Ministry of Agriculture, the State government has developed various agricultural initiatives aimed at addressing the challenges facing food security in the State”, he said.
He, therefore, urged all farmers to always take precautionary measures against a further outbreak of the deadly diseases, adding that it is absolutely necessary for poultry farmers to comply with the Global Standard procedure in all poultry activities. The Commissioner averred that farmers should be more cautious to avoid transporting their chickens along with cattle as well as monitor the movement of their farm feed from the point of purchase to the store.
