Sonipat: Haryana's dairy economy is grappling with severe economic stress as an acute shortage of chopped wheat straw and green fodder has driven cattle feed prices to unprecedented highs across the state. This crisis, triggered by a combination of unseasonal rains, crop-flattening storms, and a scorching 46°C heatwave, is affecting dairy farmers, traders, and gaushalas alike, threatening livestock health and milk production.
Record High Fodder Prices
Dry fodder prices have reached historic levels for this time of the year, a trend typically observed only in mid-winter. In the Rohtak fodder market, wheat straw prices have surged 40% compared to last year, reaching Rs 950 per quintal. In parts of Sirsa and south Haryana, rates have soared even higher, ranging from Rs 1,200 to Rs 1,300 per quintal. Green fodder varieties like maize and jowar (sorghum) are trading between Rs 300 and Rs 400 per quintal, while paddy straw has hit Rs 700 to Rs 800 per quintal.
Causes of the Crisis
Market committee officials and traders attribute the crisis to massive wheat crop damage during the harvesting season. Strong winds blew away crop residue, while unseasonal rain forced combine harvesters to cut crops from the top, leaving less usable straw behind. Consequently, per-acre straw output has plummeted from the usual 7–8 quintals to just 2–3 quintals. Accidental field fires and a shift away from manual harvesting have further depleted stocks, leading to hoarding by traders anticipating future price hikes.
Impact on Livestock and Milk Production
Farmers report declining milk yields as intense heat causes cattle to consume less feed. Animal husbandry experts, including SDO Dr Sanjeev Phogat and veterinary expert Dr Anupama, have warned that animals rely heavily on dry fodder when green pastures dry up, compounding the demand. They have urged farmers to prioritize livestock cooling using fans, coolers, and cold-water hydration, warning that failure to stabilize supplies could permanently damage livestock health and spike consumer milk prices.
