Assam’s temporary ban on entry of poultry from other states hits biz in North Bengal

MP | 19 Apr 2023 : Due to the outbreak of avian influenza (Bird flu) in Bihar and Jharkhand, the Assam government has imposed a temporary ban on the entry of poultry and pigs through the Western border of the state from March 11. 

This ban has resulted in a huge loss for the poultry industry in North Bengal, which has been unable to transport its produce to northeastern states. The ban on transit of poultry in Assam from other states has been in effect for the past 44 days, costing the industry spread across North Bengal approximately Rs 100 crore. 

Ashit Ghosh, Secretary of the North Bengal Poultry Farmer Association, stated: “There are more than 10,000 poultry businessmen in North Bengal who supply broiler chicken to northeastern states such as Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Manipur. From Malda to Alipurduar there are around 20 lakh farmers in North Bengal associated with this industry. About 80 per cent of their business depends on the northeastern states, as there is a big market for broiler chicken.” 

Every day, around 80-100 trucks of poultry are sent to Assam and other northeastern states from North Bengal districts. Each truck contains 2000 kg of live broiler chicken and ‘Sonali’ chicken. “Following the ban on transit of poultry from Bengal to Assam, the poultry industry is suffering more than Rs 2 crore loss every day,’’ added Ghosh. Ghosh stated that they have approached the Animal Resources Development Department of West Bengal several times. 

On April 6, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Animal Resources Development Department, West Bengal, wrote a letter to the Principal Secretary of the Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Department of Assam, requesting for the ban to be lifted from West Bengal. 

However, the Assam government is yet to take any action.“If the ban continues, they do not have any choice but to protest and block the national highway,’’ added Ghosh.

“We used to sell a live broiler chicken for Rs 120 per kg, and its production cost was around Rs 100. Since the ban, the cost of a live broiler chicken has decreased to Rs 70,” one of the poultry business owners, Suranjan Das, said. 

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