KABUL (SW) – The last winter’s harsh weather has killed hundreds of livestock and caused heavy financial losses to the farmers in Panjshir, said the locals.
In this province, which has a suitable climate for animal husbandry, last winter’s cold wave and lack of grass killed many animals of farmers. Parian and Dara districts are particularly affected. 45-year-old Nuruddin, a resident of Dara district of Panjshir, who has been raising animals for years and meets the needs of his family in this way, says that this year’s cold weather has made his life difficult.
He said: “Most of the people who took their livestock to the mountains to graze have perished there, because no information was given to the people in this regard. In addition to this, the Islamic Emirate does not allow people to look after their property in the mountains. It is necessary to provide professional guidance to the owners to protect their property and in the remote areas. People should be helped.”
On the other hand, Saaduddin, a resident of Parian district, said that the protection of animals in the villages of this district is done traditionally.
He added that the farmers do not have enough knowledge for the good continuation of their livestock, they have not been given modern and professional information on animal training and this has caused them to face problems in providing grass for their animals.
Saaduddin wants the officials of the department of agriculture to provide financial assistance to the farmers of Panjshir in cooperation with international organizations.
He said: “Because of poverty and lack of money, most farmers cannot buy food items that keep their animals warm in the winter. There is no organization that can help farmers in this regard and vaccinate their animals.”
University lecturer and animal husbandry expert, Multan Zarbar believes that in order to prevent damage to animals in the cold, farmers should use underground shelters to protect their animals. He asked the agriculture officials to teach the farmers the standard methods of animal protection in the cold season and to give the animals vaccines and anti-disease medicines.
He said: “It is necessary for the department of agriculture to show the farmers how to make and prepare this food. It is another type of food that is prepared in the winter, which is called “Tant Mant”. It is also combines with white mustard, so it is necessary to learn how to make this food and use this food in winter.”
Local officials of the department of agriculture also say that last winter caused heavy losses to the farmers of this province.
Panjshir agriculture, irrigation and livestock department’s superintendent, Gul Muhammad Tanin told Salam Watandar that 1018 animals were killed due to the cold weather and shortage of food. “151 cows, 442 sheep, 378 goats and 47 mixed animals have died due to lack of fodder and cold weather as people are facing shortage of fodder.”
ENDS
