The failure of monsoon in the state has badly affected the poultry and dairy sector, as there is a short supply of high grain feeds such as oats, jowar, barley and corn. Lack of rains in North Karnataka and Gulbarga have resulted in a fall in grains output.
The much-preferred Danish breed of cows are yielding only 75% of their usual capacity, while broiler chickens are taking longer time to attain the desired weight of 1.5-2 kg to be sold in retail outlets.
With poultry and dairy farmers facing a dwindling yield, the prices of eggs, milk and chicken is likely to go up.
The sheep breeders too are facing the same problem with Bakrid (October 27) fast approaching. Local shepherds and sheep traders from Bannur disclosed that this year, the Muslims may have to pay more to procure goats. They expect the prices of normal goats to go up by 30-40% and the cost of fancy ones may top `1 lakh.
While chicken farmers can rely on steroids to stimulate growth, for sheep breeders there is no such relief. When asked if steroids can be administered to sheep, for faster growth, a sheep breeder from Bannur disclosed, “The body building steroids for sheep and cattle are very expensive and hence it does not serve the purpose.”
The initial stock of sheep, which arrived from neighbouring towns and villages in the city for Eid ul Zuha purpose appear malnourished. The average weight of a goat is only 7-10 kilos, while last year it was around 15 kilos.
During this Eid ul Zuha, Muslims will have to make do with a pricier but smaller animal.
