DHARMAPURI/ MADURAI: Livestock cultivators in the state are distressed by the increasing price of hay in the market, as it has directly impacted milk production. At present, the price of hay is hovering around Rs 300 per 10 kg in southern districts, with Rs 320 for the same quantity in Dharmapuri.
For farmers involved in animal husbandry, the price hike has caused a compounding problem, occurring right after the water shortage crisis caused by the El Nino weather phenomenon. Dharmapuri farmers have urged the district administration to stock up on hay and offer it at subsidised rates.
P Murali, a farmer from Kadathur, said, “In Dharmapuri, milk production is by far the only profitable venture to help farmers tide through uncertain times. With the lack of rainfall since last November, grass in pastures has dried out and even maize production has dropped alarmingly as well. This has led to an increase in demand and now the price of hay is at Rs 320 per bale (about 10-12 kg). About six months ago, the price was at Rs 180 per bale, and a year ago it was only Rs 120 per bale.”
M Selvaraj from Nallampalli said, “Only a week ago, the cost of 1 kg of hay in the local market was Rs 26. On Wednesday, it increased to Rs 30 per kg. As most of the hay is brought in from Tiruvannamalai, Erode, and Villupuram, the traders are citing increasing transportation cost for the price hike.”
Tamil Nadu Milk Producers Association (Madurai) treasurer T Inbaraj said, “As the supply of hay from Dindigul and Tiruppur has stopped, we are forced to procure it from the delta region, at a price of Rs 290 per 10 kg. The agents have warned that the prices will cross Rs 300 in a few days.”
When TNIE tried to reach officials in the office of the Regional Joint Director in Dharmapuri, they were not available for comment.
Sources in the animal husbandry department said that they have not received any reports or complaints on hay shortage.
