Gloomy forecast: Fall in fodder availability hurts milk production

It now needs to be seen whether the impact of weather could firm up cattle feed prices, which are already up by over 15 per cent in recent times

Amid a delayed monsoon forecast and severe drought predictions in certain parts of the country, the availability of green and dry fodder for cattle could fall further, thereby impacting milk procurement this season. The production of milk has already fallen during this season.

According to co-operative and private dairies, adverse weather conditions could affect fodder availability in the near future. Compared to last year, cattle feed prices have already risen 18-20 per cent, even as milk producers turn to manufactured feed following the reduced availability of green and dry fodder.

"At 21 million litres per day, our milk procurement is down 5-6