A total of Tk 3.06 billion loss and damages was estimated in the fisheries and livestock sectors as the super Cyclone Amphan hit in Barisal and Khulna divisions.
At least 12 people were killed in the cyclone in seven coastal districts, including Patuakhali, Satkhira, Pirojpur, Bhola and Barguna.
Of the total, the fisheries sector has incurred loss more than Tk 3.05 billion while the livestock sector estimated at Tk 10.44 million in two divisions, according to the preliminary data provided by the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock.
The number of fish farms affected by the cyclone is 24,350 while the number of damaged cattle and poultry farms is 50,138, its data showed in a letter sent to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief.
The ministry on Thursday requested the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief to provide interest-free loans on easy terms including cash assistance to marginal, commercial farmers and entrepreneurs in an emergency basis to offset the damage caused to those sectors by the impact of the cyclone.
A letter in this regard signed by Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Rawnak Mahmud was sent to the senior secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief.
According to the letter, preliminary reports of the damage to fish, cattle and poultry have been found in the coastal areas due to the impact of the cyclone.
However, the final lists of loss and damages is being prepared and verified, the ministry pointed out in the letter.
The letter further said that investors in the fisheries and livestock sector have suffered extreme financial losses due to the coronavirus crisis.
Moreover, due to the impact of 'Amphan', those involved in this sector are becoming more frustrated, it noted in the letter.
If this situation continues, the fisheries and livestock sectors, which provide the nutrition of the country’s people, will be threatened, the letter mentioned.
In this context, the ministry has requested the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief to take measures to provide interest-free loans on easy terms including cash incentives to farmers and entrepreneurs in those sectors to compensate the losses caused by the super cyclone.
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