Political Discourse on Livestock Crisis and Rising Farm Suicides

Trinamool Congress MP Saayoni Ghosh criticized the BJP for failing to address issues related to livestock, including fodder shortages and lumpy cow disease. She raised concerns about rising feed costs, farm suicides, and milk prices. Other MPs discussed the impact of climate change on fisheries and the need for better allocation for these sectors.

Trinamool Congress MP Saayoni Ghosh on Monday slammed the BJP over its inability to provide sufficient fodder for cows, which are dying due to lumpy cow disease.

Speaking during a debate on grants for the Ministry of Fishing, Animal Husbandry, and Dairy, Ghosh expressed gratitude to her constituents and condemned the politics of 'hatred and betrayal.' She pointed out that 70% of India's rural poor depend on livestock, yet the sector receives minimal support.

Ghosh highlighted the alarming issue of rising cattle and poultry feed prices, a nine-year high in wholesale fodder inflation, and increasing milk prices. She noted that 32.7 lakh cattle were infected with lumpy cow disease, resulting in 2.4 lakh deaths, and criticized BJP states for their inadequate handling of the crisis. Ghosh also flagged the rising number of farmer suicides and the deficiency of eggs in mid-day meals in BJP-ruled states, calling for increased allocation for fisheries. Other MPs discussed the role of climate change in exacerbating challenges faced by those in the fishing and livestock sectors, urging for more adaptive strategies and adequate compensation for affected communities.