NAROWAL: A significant fodder and silage shortage has resulted in decrease in milk production in the district.

Fodder and other crops were badly affected by recent floods in the River Ravi and storm water channels A livestock farmer said his animals are physically weak due to lack of fodder.

There are more than 500,000 cows, buffaloes and other large animals in Narowal district. He said cows give seven to 10 liters of milk per day while a buffalo gives four to six liters.

Heavy rains have damaged the quality of fodder and silage due to wet conditions.

Fodder quality was hit by recent rains

Dr Azhar Shaheen, Veterinary Officer, Livestock Department, Narowal, said that due to heavy rains and flood conditions, animals are under environmental pressure.

He said due to the lack of healthy fodder and silage for the animals, they are becoming weaker day by day. He said that milk production has decreased due to the weakness of the animals.

He said that in Narowal district, 500,000 large animals, cows, buffaloes and 200,000 small animals, sheep and goats have been vaccinated to protect them from various seasonal diseases.

Dr Farhan, Additional Disease Investigation Officer, Livestock Department, said that all animals in the district are safe from seasonal epidemics. He said that various laboratory tests have been conducted on dozens of animals, especially those who give milk.

Local residents Shumaila Aslam and Munawar Bibi said fresh milk is not available in the market. They said that one has to stand in long queues to get milk. They said that shopkeepers are selling milk for Rs250 to Rs300 per litre. They said that “our children do not take packed milk.

“Farmers Muhammad Asghar Ali and Liaqat Ali said fodder has deteriorated due to the accumulation of water in the fields.

“Animals do not eat fodder with high moisture content and we do not get silage.”

Muhammad Tayyab Khan, deputy commissioner, Narowal, said that the animals have been vaccinated to protect them from weather effects and diseases. He said livestock teams are also vaccinating the animals in the cattle market.

Published in Dawn, September 8th, 2026