Over 50,000 cattle lost to floods in three districts

Feni, Noakhali, Cumilla farmers are now burdened with crushing debts

FE Team | Published: September 11, 2024 21:21:08

Jahangir Alam Bhuiyan's 'Mariam Dairy' in Feni Sadar Upazila was doing quite well with 40 cows and 22 goats before the August floods ruined everything, reports bdnews24.com.
When the floodwaters first entered his farm, Jahangir was able to relocate some of the cattle and goats to a safer place. However, there was a severe shortage of fodder for the livestock trapped in the water. Some of the cows and goats became ill, and proper treatment couldn't be administered amidst the flooding.
Jahangir, a resident of Paschim Sonapur village in Kazirbag Union, said, "During the floods, I lost nine cows and four goats. Of the nine cows, six were pregnant, and two were calves. Another cow died this Saturday."
He was worried sick about the remaining cattle, saying, "Brother, I've lost a lot of money."
Arif Mohammad Riaz Uddin, a farmer from Fatehpur village in Shorshodi union, also faced significant losses due to the floods. Six out of his 15 cows have already died. Four cows were swept away by the floodwaters, and two more died after suffering from diseases once the water receded.
Arif's farm is called 'Alai Agro Farm,' located between Fatehpur and Debipur, near the western side of the Fatehpur flyover.
Arif lamented that among the cows that died were a Friesian cow and its calf, as well as two bulls. The floods caused a loss of Tk 1 million to his farm.
Like Jahangir and Arif, thousands of farmers have suffered tremendous losses due to the floods. Many had invested with dreams of success, but those dreams were washed away by the floodwaters. On top of that, they now face the burden of loans, and with no income from the farm, they are deeply worried about how they will repay their debts.
The recent devastating floods have caused significant damage in Feni, Noakhali, and Cumilla in the eastern part of the country. However, the damage in Feni has been far worse compared to the other two districts.
Cattle stuck at a livestock farm submerged during the fierce flooding that recently devastated the northeast part of the country.
Cattle stuck at a livestock farm submerged during the fierce flooding that recently devastated the northeast part of the country.
For nearly two weeks, millions of people in Feni have been stranded in floodwaters or have taken refuge in shelters. The floodwaters still haven't completely receded from the rural areas. Due to the severity of the floods, a large portion of the relief sent from across the country has gone to help the flood-affected people in Feni.
The livestock sector in the districts of Feni, Noakhali, and Cumilla has faced massive losses. According to the livestock departments in these three districts, 56,349 cows, buffaloes, goats, and sheep have died.
In Feni alone, 55,254 animals have died. This includes 38,731 cows and 359 buffaloes. Additionally, 15,558 goats and 606 sheep have died. The total financial loss amounts to 166.93 million BDT.
In Noakhali, 167 cows, 79 buffaloes, 209 goats, and 427 sheep have died, with a financial loss of 36.26 million BDT.
In Cumilla, 35 cows, three buffaloes, 171 goats, and seven sheep have died.