Govt must stand beside farmers facing fodder crisis in the north

ACUTE crisis of fodder in flood-affected areas in Brahmaputra, Teesta and Dharla Rivers’ basin in Kurigram and Lalmonirhat districts adds much to the woes of cattle farmers.

Facing high prices of hay, oilcake, and wheat bran since the beginning of monsoon, many of them are now considering selling off their cattle for whatever price they can get in the local market.

Few farmers who managed to stock hay during the dry season are using the hay to feed their cattle.

The milk output of cows decreased significantly due to a lack of fodder as the recent flood washed away haystacks.

After the floodwater recession, many farmers are still staying on roads, embankments and highlands along with their cattle as flood water has destroyed their houses and cowsheds.

In Kurigram, one maund (around 40 kg) of hay became Tk 500-550 in a week from Tk 300-350. The fodder crisis is likely to continue till the Aman paddy harvest begins.

The government’s response has been inadequate. The shortage may persist for months and may spell a shortage of animals.

The depth of the problem is such that a series of well-targeted actions and support are necessary and must remain in place for months to come.

Livestock is a growing sector where many youths become engaged to make their fortune and thousands of households are dependent on livestock rearing, dairy, and sale of raised cattle.

The agriculture and livestock ministries must come up with modern hydroponic grass tray production to support the fodder crisis during the periods of crisis.

Poverty eradication in the northern region is directly connected with people empowerment and creating economic opportunities.

For sustainable meat consumption and nutrition, the ministry should encourage people and organisations to invest in livestock and fodder.

In poverty-prone areas, cattle are the transferable properties of many and people dream to survive centering their cattle.