PABNA, April 30:- Just as the continuous intensification has affected many sectors including agriculture, dairy farms have also been affected. As a result, milk production has decreased.
Pabna farmers are in trouble with their cows due to the ongoing heat wave. Along with the decrease in milk production, the demand also decreased. Beef prices have increased. As a result, the farmers have to count the losses.
After talking to the farm owners of different villages of Pabna Sadar, Faridpur, Santhia, and Bera upazilas, it is known that milk production has decreased by 15 to 20 percent due to the ongoing heat wave. Cattle are getting sick due to extreme heat. The cow’s body has a fever of 108 to 109 degrees and stomach gas.
According to the Pabna District Animal Resources Directorate, there are a total 6 thousand 643 farms in Pabna district. These farms have a total of 7 lakh 54 thousand cows. Total milk production in the district is 4.75 lakh metric tons. Despite meeting the district’s demand, 2.25 lakh metric tons of milk is supplied to different districts of the country including Dhaka.
It is known that milk produced from different dairy farms of Faridpur, Bhangura, Bara, and Santhia upazilas of Pabna district is supplied to other districts of the country through different companies.
Farmers said fans have to run day and night to protect cattle from heavy rain. Besides, cows have to be bathed 3 to 4 times a day by pumping cold water. As a result, electricity consumption has increased almost twice.
Shafiur Rimon, a farmer of Nabuvarenga village of Bara upazila in Pabna, said, “In summer, the consumption of cattle has decreased. Digestion of cows is decreasing. Excessive panting due to heat. Milk production has decreased by about 20 percent in summer. Also the cost has gone up due to the increase in the price of fodder. Due to reduced demand of milk in summer, milk has to be sold at Tk 45 to Tk 50 per liter. Normally when milk could be left for 4 to 5 hours. Now the milk is getting spoiled after lying there for 3 hours.
Abdus Samad Mridha, a farmer of Brihaspatipur village of Santhia upazila, said, “My cow’s milk production was 10 and a half per day. Due to intense heat milk production is 9 mana. Due to the heat, the cow’s intake has decreased, it is difficult to breathe. The fan has to run all day and night. Costs have increased in various ways. We always take doctor’s advice to keep cows healthy from heat.
Afsar Ali, a milk trader of Nadia Gadai village in Santhia Upazila, said, “Every day I used to buy and sell 7 tons of milk.” Now I am getting 5 and a half manas of milk there.
Resident of Pabna Faridpur Upazila Bangladesh Dairy Farm Association Pabna District Branch General Secretary Md. Saiful Islam said, “With the heat, the cost of raising cows has also increased. Have to drink extra water, and take bath 3 to 4 times a day. It takes more workers than usual.
He pointed out that there are 60 cows in Saiful’s farm and said that six to seven shepherds are working daily to look after the cows. Besides, the price of beef has also increased a lot.
He said, “Every sack of wheat husk has increased from Tk 100 to Tk 150 and the cost has increased from 500 to 700 taka for each cow in a week.
District Animal Resources Officer of Pabna Dr. Gaurang Kumar Talukder said, “In summer, the consumption of cattle naturally decreases. As a result, milk production decreases slightly.
Advising to take extra care of cattle during the heatwave, the District Animal Resources Officer said, “Farmhouses should be kept cool.” They should be fed grass and bathed 2-3 times a day. In addition, if the cow is sick, the animal doctor should be contacted quickly.
Date:30.04.24
