The outbreak of bird flu in the Chirner village of Uran taluka has plunged local farmers and poultry breeders into severe financial distress. The widespread poultry farming in this area, particularly the rearing of native chickens, has been significantly affected.

The affected poultry farmers are grappling with economic difficulties as government authorities have initiated the culling of village chickens without proper inspection. The government is providing a compensation of Rs. 137 per bird, which is significantly lower than the market value, ranging between Rs. 400 and Rs. 700 per bird.

In rural areas of Uran taluka, poultry farming is common, with many households and settlements involved in the practice. Traditionally, village chickens were reared domestically, but in recent times, farmers have commercialised this home-based business, viewing it as a supplementary income to rice farming.

Consequently, many farmers have invested their own money to set up small-scale poultry farms to meet the rising demand and nutritional value of native chickens over broilers.

The increasing demand for native chickens, known for their taste and nutritional benefits, has led to their large-scale rearing in many villages in Uran taluka.

Poultry farmers earn between Rs. 500 and Rs. 700 per chicken, and many also engage in home poultry farming, feeding the chickens village-style food rather than market feed, resulting in highly flavourful chickens.

However, negligence by the Animal Husbandry Department has exacerbated the situation. Recently, it was revealed that chickens in Chirner village succumbed to bird flu. In response, the government began culling chickens in the village without thoroughly inspecting other farmers' flocks. This action has led to significant financial losses for farmers, who are receiving compensation far below the market value of their chickens.

Farmers in Uran taluka are now demanding that the government conduct proper inspections of chickens in their homes and poultry farms to check for symptoms of bird flu. They insist that only those chickens testing positive for bird flu should be culled. The farmers are urging the government to avoid unnecessary culling of healthy chickens to prevent further financial hardships.