Will livestock feed not be exempt from the syndicate's grip

Bangladesh is a strange country indeed. Whenever there's an opportunity, a cycle increases the price of essential food items several times over. Before Ramadan, the price of food for people rises, and before Eid-ul-Adha, the price of adulterated livestock feed increases. Items like wheat bran, rice husk, soybean meal, D-oil rice polish, lentil husk, mustard oil cake, maize, bran, chickpea husk, Mung husk, husked rice, and straw aren't spared from the syndicate's grip. The Integrated Dairy Research Network (IDRN) reports that the price of animal feed has increased by 54% in just one year, while globally, it has risen by 20.6%.

From yesterday's newspaper (May 12), it's learned that due to the way the price of animal feed is increasing, many entrepreneurs and small farmers are stepping back from dairy or poultry investments. The way the price of animal feed has increased in the country's market over the past year is unbelievably high! The frequent and substantial price hikes have led several farmers to withdraw from this business.

Stakeholders are stating that a powerful syndicate is behind the price hike of animal feed. This syndicate has become even more active ahead of Eid-ul-Adha. To manipulate the market, they are producing artificial crises by stocking up on feed. Despite several government institutions being in place for determining, monitoring, and controlling the prices of human food, no one seems to be able to break the stranglehold of the syndicate on the prices of animal feed.

Not only are prices increasing, but there are also allegations against a syndicate for producing substandard cattle feed and poultry feed without approval. Detailed information about the production date, expiry date, and the manufacturer's details of such feeds is also absent. Furthermore, occasionally, the illicit syndicate deceives farmers by using the names of well-known companies on the packaging. Recently, during a campaign by vigilant courts, illicit animal feed production has been discovered in various areas. Subsequently, the relevant factories are sealed off by the courts along with legal actions taken against them.

Due to the rising prices of animal feed, many farmers are forced to feed low quality food to their livestock. These animals, in turn, will eventually be consumed by humans. Consequently, those who consume such animals will be at risk of health hazards. Additionally, many animals are falling ill due to the consumption of inferior feed, leading to fatalities among livestock.

For many days, people have been attributing the rise in food prices for both humans and animals to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and its aftermath. However, investigations have revealed that no other country has experienced such rapid increases in food prices as Bangladesh has. The primary reason behind the escalation of food prices in Bangladesh is often attributed to syndicates. Although the judiciary sometimes intervenes to regulate prices, the situation ultimately remains unchanged. Many argue that the effectiveness of the judiciary brings little comfort to the people unless tangible results are achieved.

If this trend continues, how much of a threat will it pose to the country's overall economy, are we considering it?
The closure of dairy and poultry farms will not only result in food shortages and malnutrition but will also render countless people unemployed. There will be increased pressure on other food items, leading to a necessity to increase food imports. This will inflict devastating losses on the country's farmers.

Due to the syndicate's activities, a specific group benefits, but thousands of low-income individuals suffer losses. Many become helpless. It's essential for relevant authorities to recognize the various problems caused by a crime. Everything in our lives is now under the influence of syndicates. If the grip of these syndicates isn't loosened, neither the people nor the animals in this country will survive. If the government doesn't act promptly, there will be more crises in the future. We hope that the relevant authorities will handle the issue with the utmost caution and ensure a swift resolution.