Grand Cereals Limited (GCL), in collaboration with Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC), has compensated farmers who suffered losses as a result of mortalities of their livestock caused by Marek disease, a viral infection common with birds.

GCL is a subsidiary of UAC of Nigeria Plc and makers of Vital Feeds, used for feeding livestock, while NAIC is an insurance firm that specialises in agric insurance.

The farmers were compensated proportionally according to the number of birds lost to the dreadful disease, and these include Janesh Farm, situated at Akwanga, Nassarawa State, Anamonye Farms Ltd, and Planglan Poultry Farms.

Speaking during the presentation ceremony recently at Janesh Farm, Akwanga, Austin Dalyop Marketing Manager, GCL, stated that the challenge militating against poultry farming in Nigeria and world over, was as a result of the emergence of new animal disease and re-emergence of old ones.

According to Dalyop, several farmers have lost their means of livelihood to some of these diseases, a case he point out include the bird flu saga of 2006, which wiped out over 30% of the bird population in the country.

He said the Marek disease usually affected birds from two to five months old, which causes lymphoid tumours with symptoms varying according to the position of the tumour, explaining that once contracted, the nerves of the birds get affected, and spastic paralysis occurs either in the legs, wings or neck.

Consequently, in order to fight the Marek virus, Grand Cereals & Oil Mills Ltd, in conjunction with Nigeria Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC) now insure poultry farmers free of charge.

“In protecting the farm and business of our loyal customers who use Vital Feeds, GCL, insured their farms so that when mortalities do happen, the farmer will be compensated.  The Insurance scheme is at no cost to the farmers, as GCL pays the premium.”

At the event, Farm Manager, Janesh Farm, Mrs. Barki Sameel, received a cheque of N1,022,407.00 as compensation for the loss of 1,300 birds.  Rev. Stephen Okolie of Anamonye Farms Ltd, was presented with a cheque of N259,68.60 for 200 birds while Mrs. Josephine Shike owner of Planglan Poultry Farm, who suffered a loss of 200 birds, received N158,961.00.

Expressing her gratitude for the initiative, Mrs. Barki Sameel of Janesh Farm said, “I was devastated when the birds started dying and because of the magnitude, I feared the claims will not be paid, but I was surprised when I saw the credit alert.  I have purchased new birds now.  GCL Insurance scheme is real.  The personnel are always ready to assist with prompt response time.”

In his speech at the event, Brand Manager, Feeds, GCL, Emmanuel Shodipe, restated the fact that the company is committed to the success of poultry and fish farmers in the country.

Culled from ThisDay of Friday, 21st May and BusinessDay of Friday, 15th May, 2010