Photo: Messenger
The scorching heatwave sweeping through Kalaroa upazila of Satkhira has plunged its poultry farmers into a state of emergency. An alarming average of 8 to 10 chickens perishes daily in every poultry farm due to the relentless heat, spelling potential financial ruin for the industry.
According to Sub-Assistant Livestock Officer Sudam Nandi, with approximately 1200 poultry and layer chicken farms in the upazila, the toll of heat-related casualties is staggering. With over 2 lakh domestic breed chickens, 2.5 lakh boiler chickens, and 50 thousand layer chickens at risk, the situation is dire.
"The recent heatwave has proven particularly lethal for young poultry, especially those aged between 0 to 21 days," stated Nandi, underscoring the vulnerability of the fledgling chicks.
Khadijatul Kubra, proprietor of Kubra Poultry Farm, recounted the distressing loss of 22 to 25-day-old chickens, with an average of 8 to 10 casualties daily, amounting to significant financial setbacks.
Nazrul Islam, a poultry food and medicine trader, emphasized the critical role of preventative measures to shield chickens from heatstroke.
Highlighting the correlation between steroid-laden feed and susceptibility to heatstroke, Nandi stressed the importance of hydration and ventilation, recommending frequent doses of glucose, saline, and cold water, along with the use of electric fans and innovative cooling techniques.
While traditional cooling methods struggle to combat temperatures soaring between 38 to 41 degrees Celsius, farmers are grappling with mounting debts and contemplating drastic measures to salvage their livelihoods.
As concerns mount and losses escalate, farmers are bracing themselves for the worst, contemplating seeking financial aid from banks and NGOs or facing the grim prospect of shuttering their operations.
Messenger/Disha
