Rain Hits Livestock Farmers As Price Of Dry Fodder Increases

The recent untimely rain has adversely affected livestock farmers in the region, leading to a hike in the price of dry fodder. The current price range for dry fodder is between Rs 550-Rs 800 per quintal, whereas last year, during the same period, it was being sold at Rs 400-500 per quintal.

The farmers claim that the rain has resulted in a significant decrease in the production of wheat husks, leading to a shortage. Typically, an acre of harvested and thrashed wheat gives around 20 quintals of wheat husk, but this year, due to the flattening of crops, farmers are getting only 12-15 quintals per acre. As a result, the quality of the fodder has also been affected.

Shamsher Singh, a farmer, said that the untimely rain had flattened his wheat crop, affecting the quality and quantity of husk production. Last year, he obtained 18 quintals of husk per acre, whereas this year, he is getting only 12 quintals. The quality of the fodder is also poor.

Livestock farmers are feeling the pinch of the situation as well. Davinder Singh said that he had purchased dry fodder at Rs 800 per quintal two days ago, while last year during the same time, he had purchased it at Rs 550 per quintal. Due to the hike in price, the input cost has increased.

The shortage of dry fodder has also created a challenge for various gaushalas. An employee of a gaushala said that last year, they arranged dry fodder at Rs 400 per quintal, but this year, due to the less production of wheat husk, there is a shortage of dry fodder. The current rates are Rs 700 per quintal.

Moreover, the recent spell of rain has added to the difficulties of farmers in making dry fodder. Rajinder Kumar, a farmer, said that he could not make dry fodder from wheat straw due to rain at regular intervals. He had planned to make dry fodder on Sunday, but rain prevented him from doing so.

Agriculture experts predict that the rate of dry fodder could increase in the coming days due to less production and high demand. The Agriculture Department official also stated that the prices of dry fodder may rise further due to these factors.

Source-Tribune India

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