The dairy and meat producing industry is one of the worst affected by the current coronavirus crisis causing a loss of about of Tk 2000 crore since the general holiday announced in late March.
Since the corona outbreak, cattle sale has dropped by around 60 percent - well reflected in the daily loss of about Tk 30 crore from nationwide sale of the cattle.
Due to such crisis prices of dairy products and beef has increased which may continue to rise if measures are not taken immediately.
In this situation, Bangladesh Dairy Farmers Association (BDFA) sought cash incentive including waving bills of gas and water supply for the next three months.
According to BDFA, there are three lakh small and large dairy farms in the country. These farms monthly produce 76 lakh tonnes of meat and about one lakh tonnes of milk.
Professional cattle farmers usually take special care of their animals before selling. During this period, they invest huge amount of money, from Tk 30,000 to Tk 60,000 behind each animal just on food.
According to market sources, marginal dairy farmers are not able to sell cattle at all as markets remain closed due to the extended general holiday. On the other hand, for the shortage of cattle food, many farms may face closure. Thus, many farmers may be forced to sell off their cattle at prices much lower than their expectation.
BDFA statistics show that the daily transaction of cattle in the country is worth about Tk 50 crore. The daily sales, however, have now dropped to less than Tk 20 crore putting farmers in immense financial crisis amid the corona crisis.
BDFA general secretary Mohammad Shah Imran said, "It is indeed a tough time for all of us, including cattle and dairy farmers. At least 60 to 70 percent farmers are unable to sell their products and animals now due to the nationwide shutdown.