Farmers struggle to sustain livestock as hay and feed prices soar after crop damage
7 May 2026, 14:48 PM
7 May 2026, 15:41 PM
There has been a sharp rise in the prices of cattle feed following the recent flood. Photo: Star
People living in the haor areas of the Sylhet region are facing a severe crisis in maintaining their cattle as floods have destroyed crops and washed away fodder (coarse, dried food like hay or straw given to livestock) sources, causing a sharp rise in the prices of cattle feed.Residents said cattle rearing is the main source of livelihood for many families in the region. However, the recent floods submerged vast stretches of boro paddy fields, leaving farmers struggling to collect fodder for their livestock.According to market sources, the price of hay -- the primary feed for cattle -- has more than doubled within three months. Hay that was previously sold at Tk 300 to Tk 350 per maund is now being sold at Tk 800 to Tk 850.Prices of other cattle feed items have also surged. Granular cattle feed, which used to cost Tk 1,150 per sack, is now selling for Tk 1,500, while the price of mustard oil cake and other feed has increased from Tk 40 per kilogram to Tk 60.Fajr Ali, a hay trader in Ikram Haor in Baniachong upazila of Habiganj, said the shortage was caused by severe damage seeds due to flooding in the haor region.“Earlier, we could easily collect hay from local farmers, but now we have to bring it from distant districts at higher costs,” he said.He added that rising transportation expenses were also contributing to the price hike.
