Absence of dry space and livestock food has forced several flood victims in Gaibandha to sell off their livestock, namely cows, goats, and lambs, just to make ends meet.
They are rushing to nearby cattle markets ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, but are having to sell their dairy assets off at outrageously low prices to cattle traders.
This has been due to the devastation left by the floods, as it has also damaged stacks of hays across the district. It led to a shortage of food for the livestock, which is being sold at higher than given price.
According to the district's livestock office sources, 4,417 tons of grass has been damaged by the floods over the last two weeks, which is considered to be worth Tk1.42 crore, while 1,320 metric tons of hay has also been damaged.
This has put the farmers of Sundarganj, Saghata, Fulchhari, Gobindganj, and Sadar Upazila in jeopardy, as their 72,777 cows, 102 buffaloes, 32,583 goats, and 16,240 lambs now face an acute crisis of food supply.
Upon inspecting the Char areas, it was found that several flood victims are living on whatever piece of dry land they have, along with their livestock, all are waiting for buyers to sell them off.
In Fulchhari's Balasighat, it was found that several cattle, which were being fattened ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, are deteriorating in health due to lack of food. This has forced their owners to find buyers, and sell them off cheap.
Goats are comparatively more at risk, as the floods are carrying waterborne diseases, which are affecting them quicker than humans, often resulting in deaths.
Abdur Rafiq, a resident of Fulchhari's Bhasharpara village, said the hay which he had stored in his courtyard was submerged in water, rendering it unusable as food for his cows. He is now rushing to sell his two cows, and two goats as soon as possible, before they perish.
Aminul Miah, a resident of neighbouring Sidhai village, had purchased a calf a year ago for Tk30,000, in hopes of selling it this Eid for a hefty price. But the floods have dashed those hopes, as he is forced to sell it off at whatever price it fetches.
Md Faruk Hossain, a lessor of a cattle market in Ratanpur village, said the market has not become as vibrant as expected, due to the floods. But a lot of villagers are swarming in to sell off their livestock, he added.
Dr Abdus Samad, Gaibandha livestock officer, said 175 livestock in 17 dairy farms were affected because of the recent floods, with two cows, worth Tk12.60 lakh, reported dead.
He said Tk4 lakh has been sent as relief fund from the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, but it is very little compared to the incurred damage.
