Livestock ministry demands stimulus, interest-free loan to offset Amphan impact
Fisheries and livestock investors have faced huge financial losses due to the coronavirus outbreak, and Amphan has further worsened their situation
The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock has asked for interest-free flexible loan facility along with fiscal stimulus to offset the losses caused by the cyclonic storm Amphan that hit the country's southern districts on Wednesday night.
In this regard, an appeal issued by the ministry's Secretary Rounak Mahumd was sent to the senior secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief on Thursday.
The letter read that the initial assessment of losses in fish, livestock and poultry sectors has been made. It is being verified to prepare a final one, added the statement.
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The investors in the fisheries and livestock sector have faced huge financial losses due to the coronavirus outbreak in the country. Amphan has further worsened the situation for them.
If this situation continues, the sector where animal nutrition is sourced from will face grave consequences which will eventually affect the whole nation, read the statement.
Regarding the matter, the ministry urged the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief to provide fiscal stimulus and interest-free loan facilities for the farmers and entrepreneurs of the sector.
According to initial data received from Barishal and Khulna divisions, Amphan caused losses in the fisheries sector worth Tk305.5 crore, and in the livestock and poultry sector worth Tk1.04 crore. Some 24,350 fisheries farms and 50,138 poultry farms bear the losses.
