Fodder Shortage in Haryana Drives Up Dairy Feed Costs
The dairy sector in Haryana is experiencing significant stress as an acute shortage of chopped wheat straw and green fodder has led to a sharp increase in cattle feed prices across the state. This shortage is attributed to a combination of unseasonal rains, crop-damaging storms, and a severe heatwave reaching 46°C, which have all contributed to the unprecedented scarcity during the summer.
In the Rohtak fodder market, prices for wheat straw have increased by 40% from the previous year, reaching Rs 950 per quintal. Other regions, such as Sirsa and southern parts of Haryana, report even higher prices, ranging between Rs 1,200 and Rs 1,300 per quintal. Green fodder options like maize and jowar are trading between Rs 300 and Rs 400 per quintal, while paddy straw has reached Rs 700 to Rs 800 per quintal.
Officials and traders attribute the crisis to substantial wheat crop damage during the harvest season. Strong winds and unseasonal rain forced combine harvesters to cut crops from the top, drastically reducing the amount of straw available from the usual 7-8 quintals per acre to just 2-3 quintals. Additionally, accidental field fires and a shift away from manual harvesting have further depleted fodder stocks, leading to hoarding as traders anticipate future price hikes.
The shortage has also affected milk production, with farmers reporting declining yields as the intense heat causes cattle to consume less feed. Experts in animal husbandry, including SDO Dr Sanjeev Phogat and veterinary expert Dr Anupama, emphasize the importance of dry fodder during times when green pastures are unavailable, further increasing its demand. They urge farmers to employ measures to cool livestock, such as using fans, coolers, and ensuring cold-water hydration, to prevent long-term damage to livestock health and potential spikes in consumer milk prices.
This crisis highlights the vulnerability of Haryana's dairy economy to climate variations and the need for sustainable agricultural practices to mitigate such impacts in the future.
