: Heatwave has dealt a severe blow to the livestock sector compelling farmers to approach the Animal Husbandry Department for compensation.
As per official reports, 18 animals, mostly cows and calves, perished in the extreme heat within the last one month in Kozhikode district alone.
Dairy farmers have claimed huge loss as most of them have lost hybrid-dairy cattle and calves purchased under various loan schemes. Post-mortem examination reports of the department also confirmed that the 18 animals were killed by sun stroke.
According to officials, the report suggesting compensation for all eligible farmers has been submitted to the government.
Compensation will be given to them after clearance of the government-level formalities under the National Disaster relief scheme, they added. Even though the department recorded sun stroke death cases as 18, the total number of cattle that perished since the beginning of the summer season is around 32. But Animal Husbandry Department teams have made it clear that the reason of death was not confirmed as heatwave.
John Kattakkayam, District Officer of the Animal Husbandry Department, said the dairy farmers should adopt all possible measures to beat the heat in cattle sheds and ensure the timely supply of drinking water. “Day-time grazing should be avoided till the end of this season as it would harm the animals,” he warned.
Dr. Kattakkayam said dairy farmers should also try to provide fans in cattle sheds. “Accommodating livestock under asbestos roofing too should be avoided to prevent sudden deaths during this season,” he added.
