Poultry hub in Nandurbar faces risk for third time in just 20 years

Nashik: Navapur town in tribal-dominated Nandurbar district, which has the highest number of poultry farms in Maharashtra, is staring at the threat of avian flu for the third time in two decades, prompting poultry farmers to seek stronger safeguards to protect their birds and livelihoods.The poultry association has expressed concern as the town faces a fresh risk after earlier outbreaks in 2006 and 2021. "We sincerely hope it does not grow out of proportion and that the virus spread is contained at the earliest," said Arif Balesariya, the president of the Nandurbar Poultry Farms Association.Out of the 38 poultry farms in Nandurbar district, 27 are located in Navapur taluka. At present, seven farms have been affected by the infection, necessitating the culling of birds as per protocol.The district's poultry industry houses around 12 lakh birds across these farms. "If the infection spreads further, it will be a disaster for the industry once again," Balesariya warned.He said the sector has grown steadily over the past 25 years due to factors such as availability of labour, raw material, a conducive climate and strong market access. "Proximity to Gujarat has helped the trade and ensured a good market, contributing significantly to the growth of the business," he added.While traders are mentally prepared to absorb losses, Balesariya cautioned that repeated viral outbreaks could have a devastating long-term impact on the industry. He noted that about 12 lakh birds together produce more than 9.5 lakh eggs daily, making constant health monitoring essential. "Birds are living organisms, not factory output. This requires manpower, investment and continuous effort," he said.Farmers also flagged inadequate govt compensation. "Govt pays a maximum of Rs 140 per bird, Rs 4 per egg and Rs 25 per kg of destroyed feed. These rates do not reflect the actual market value or losses," said another poultry farmer, who did not wish to be named.The farmer said his unit currently falls outside the 1-km epicentre of the infected farms and is taking all precautionary measures to prevent the disease from entering his premises.