Unaffordable cost of production, lack of income, government funding cuts due to economic crisis… when all these are combined, the animal protection sector is facing an unprecedented setback. Even if the farmers work hard, the cost and income do not match. Dairy farmers, pig farmers, fish farmers, etc., fed up farmers are withdrawing from various sectors. From today we can read about the plight of farmers in the animal husbandry sector. About the problems faced by dairy farmers today.
Kozhikode “A dairy farmer and his family work together for 16-18 hours and do not earn an average of 250 rupees a day. Maintenance expenses are unaffordable, there is no time free from diseases. We have to feed many things without any income. The government does not take any of our problems seriously. How is it that we do not get an income of at least 1000 rupees if we feed 3 cows. Farmers can hold their own in the region. Thanni, a dairy farmer from Kotancherry Chembukadav, Francis Mathew has a lot to say.
Dairy farmers get Rs 46 per liter of milk. He says that currently, if a cow is reared, the farmer’s condition is 70% cost and 30% income. Apart from this, the interventions from the side of the government are decreasing. Before, there was a plan of local institutions to take care of the calves. It stopped completely. 1000 rupees which was given as insurance for cattle and fodder subsidy is not getting any of this now. It is only because it has been a part of life for years that it still continues in this field.
Dairy farmers hand over cows The new generation of hill farming families has almost migrated to a foreign country. Only those who are over 60 years old are left in this area. They may also stop at any time. During the covid period, cow farms were abandoned with high hopes. After June 2021, there has been a huge drop in the number of dairy farmers.
In Koduvalli block, in 2021 the production of 31,800 liters of milk per day has now reduced to 21,000 liters. Shortage of 10000 liters per day in 3 years. The number of farmers has reduced from 2600 to 1800. If you look at the figures of Kotanchery Ksheerolpadaka Sangam, one of the groups that used to measure the most milk, you will understand at a glance what has happened in this sector.
Seasonal Variation: A serious study should be done during October-December as peak milk production occurs. But not now. During this time, it is very hot in the afternoon and rainy in the evening. Because of this, calves are often sick. Diseases like skin warts, theilaria, mastitis, foot and mouth disease. Every time for the treatment, a huge amount of money has to be spent on the medicine itself. Doctor and other expenses are separate. No income these days.
Calves take a long time to conceive is also a problem. The farmer is profitable only if the cow gives birth at least once a year. Sometimes it takes a year and a half or two years. Multiple injections are not effective. It is a situation where you have to feed a cow for 6 months or a year with virtually no income. 500-1500 will be spent for each injection.
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