Curfew Leads to Decline in Dairy Farmers' Income in Pabna and Sirajganj
Source: The DairyNews
Dairy farmers in Pabna and Sirajganj are facing a significant drop in income due to a curfew that has affected their usual sales and distribution channels. The districts, known for their robust dairy production, collectively generate approximately 34 lakh litres of milk daily. However, the recent restrictions have disrupted the market dynamics.
In Sirajganj, where around 19 lakh litres of milk are produced daily, local dairy companies typically purchase 7-8 lakh litres, with the remainder being sold to local traders, according to Md Omor Faruk, the district's livestock officer. Similarly, Pabna produces about 15 lakh litres daily, with dairy companies buying only 1.5 to 2 lakh litres, stated Gourango Kumar, the livestock officer of Pabna.
Despite these challenges, there has been no waste of milk, as private companies and sweetmeat shops in the region purchase any surplus. However, the economic impact on local farmers is palpable. Farmer Md Al Amin from Pabna reported a significant reduction in his daily sales to local conglomerates, from 550-600 litres to just 300-400 litres. Consequently, farmers like Al Amin have been compelled to sell their milk to locals at reduced prices. "Local traders previously paid Tk 52 per litre but now pay only Tk 50," he added, noting that the cost of producing each litre ranges from Tk 48 to Tk 50.
Md Saiful Islam, president of the Dairy Farm Owners Association of Pabna, highlighted the narrow profit margins, emphasizing the financial strain on farmers. Similarly, farmer Md Raju Ahmed from Sirajganj has seen his sales to a cooperative in Baghabari decrease from 20 jars (each holding 40 litres) to 16 jars during the curfew.
The reduced prices offered by locals, which do not reflect the milk's fat percentage, further compound the issue, leaving dairy farmers grappling with diminished returns on their labor and investment. The situation underscores the need for targeted support and strategies to stabilize the dairy market and protect the livelihoods of local farmers amid ongoing restrictions.
Despite these challenges, there has been no waste of milk, as private companies and sweetmeat shops in the region purchase any surplus. However, the economic impact on local farmers is palpable. Farmer Md Al Amin from Pabna reported a significant reduction in his daily sales to local conglomerates, from 550-600 litres to just 300-400 litres. Consequently, farmers like Al Amin have been compelled to sell their milk to locals at reduced prices. "Local traders previously paid Tk 52 per litre but now pay only Tk 50," he added, noting that the cost of producing each litre ranges from Tk 48 to Tk 50.
Md Saiful Islam, president of the Dairy Farm Owners Association of Pabna, highlighted the narrow profit margins, emphasizing the financial strain on farmers. Similarly, farmer Md Raju Ahmed from Sirajganj has seen his sales to a cooperative in Baghabari decrease from 20 jars (each holding 40 litres) to 16 jars during the curfew.
The reduced prices offered by locals, which do not reflect the milk's fat percentage, further compound the issue, leaving dairy farmers grappling with diminished returns on their labor and investment. The situation underscores the need for targeted support and strategies to stabilize the dairy market and protect the livelihoods of local farmers amid ongoing restrictions.
