Rajshahi, Nov 30 (V7N) – A severe shortage of cattle fodder has emerged in Tanore upazila of Rajshahi, forcing farmers to depend heavily on water hyacinth and naturally grown grass as alternatives to hay. Unseasonal flooding triggered by record rainfall and stormy weather from October 29 to October 31 has worsened the crisis, submerging grazing fields and croplands and making grass collection nearly impossible.

Local farmers reported that the price of hay has increased sharply in recent weeks, placing it beyond the reach of most small-scale cattle owners. Machine-cut hay is now selling for around Tk 30 per kilogram, making it difficult for farmers to feed their livestock adequately. As a result, many are collecting water hyacinth from ponds, canals, and submerged land, though even that option is becoming limited due to ongoing flooding.

A visit to several villages in Tanore revealed scenes of farmers hauling water hyacinth from water bodies using bamboo poles, sticks, or small boats. Farmers stated that while the plant is not highly nutritious, it has become their only reliable option amid runaway fodder prices. Abdul and Ayub, two cattle farmers, said that hay, once the primary feed for cows, has become unaffordable, with prices reaching as high as Tk 14,000 per stack and Tk 30 per kilogram for machine-cut hay. “At this rate, we cannot buy hay. Water hyacinth is now our only hope,” they said.

Farmers expressed concern that if the fodder crisis persists, cattle fattening and agricultural work will be severely affected. They urged the government to regulate hay prices and increase access to alternative and affordable cattle feed.

The sudden flooding has also damaged half-ripe Aman paddy fields across the upazila. Large areas of grass—an essential fodder source—have been destroyed. In some locations, hay remains available in limited quantities, but prices are too high for marginal farmers. Commercial fodder sold in markets has also become extremely expensive, leaving cattle owners struggling to maintain their livestock. Many are traveling long distances on foot or by hired vans to collect water hyacinth, while larger farm owners are employing workers to gather it.

The widespread use of water hyacinth as cattle feed is not new in rural communities, but this year’s abnormal price hike of hay has turned it into the primary feed source.

Akbar Hossain, Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officer, said that water hyacinth is a fast-growing aquatic plant considered an agricultural weed, especially in paddy fields. He noted that while the plant can supplement cattle feed, its rapid spread often disrupts low-lying croplands. “Using water hyacinth as feed helps control its growth in agricultural land while easing fodder shortages,” he added.

Dr. Wazed Ali, Upazila Livestock Officer, said that relying solely on water hyacinth is not ideal for raising cattle. However, he acknowledged that its abundance in canals and wetlands during this season has been beneficial. “Farmers should dry the plant in sunlight and mix it with hay before feeding it to cows or buffaloes for better results,” he advised.

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