Recent unending heat wave sweeping across Bangladesh has taken a severe toll on the countrys agricultural sector, particularly affecting poultry and livestock farmers. Reports of mounting losses due to heat-related deaths among broiler chickens and cattle are alarming indicators calling for an urgent need for comprehensive action and support measures from the government and relevant agricultural authorities.
According to news reports, farmers have described an upsetting scenario where broiler chickens, crucial for meat production, are succumbing to heat stroke despite efforts to cope with extreme weather conditions with fans and water sprinkling. The consequences are dire, with estimated losses exceeding 200 crore Tk in just a short span of time. Moreover, reduced milk production and weight loss among cows are further compounding the economic strain on dairy farmers.
However, impacts are not merely financial but also threatening food security and supply chains, as hinted by projections of impending shortages of broiler chickens and eggs - in case the situation prolongs into coming months. Its imperative to recognize the severity of this crisis and act swiftly to prevent further devastation to farmers livelihoods and broader agricultural landscape.
Several factors are worsening the vulnerability of farmers in coping with heat waves. Many rely on tin-roofed structures that amplify heat absorption, leading to even more challenging conditions for livestock housed within. Marginal farmers, in particular, are facing significant hurdles in implementing effective heat management strategies due to limited resources and awareness.
We call on the government to provide emergency assistance to affected farmers, including financial aid to make up for losses, offer subsidies for feed and cooling equipments, and access to veterinary services.
Need of the hour also demands to promote resilient farming practices and introduce technologies tailored to local climatic conditions. Steps may involve designing better-ventilated shelters, utilizing alternative cooling methods, and encourage breeds more tolerant to heat stress.
Also important is to Invest in farmer education and extension services to enhance awareness about heat stress management and adaptation strategies. Empowering farmers with knowledge and skills can enable them to mitigate risks effectively.Engage in comprehensive planning to address climate change impacts on agriculture, including heat stress resilience in livestock and poultry farming. This could entail developing heat-adapted breeds, promoting climate-smart agriculture, and integrate climate considerations into agricultural policies. Additionally, foster partnerships between government agencies, research institutions, and private sectors to come up with solutions and implement effective responses to climate-induced challenges in agriculture.
Current heat wave serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for proactive measures to protect vulnerable agricultural sectors from climate-related risks. Failure to address these challenges not only threatens livelihoods of farmers but also undermines food security and economic stability. As we navigate these unprecedented perilous climate realities, concerted efforts must be made to build resilience and ensure a sustainable future for the countrys agriculture sector.
