1 week ago
Assam Floods Threaten Dairy Families With Livelihood Loss and Migration
A flood badly damaged a dairy farming area in Assam.
Many families lost cows, goats, vehicles and crops.
Before the flood, they sold milk and vegetables to nearby towns.
Their businesses also provided work for hundreds of other people.
Now, many families have no income and still have medical bills to pay.
Some farmers say they may move to cities in southern India to find jobs.
They hope the government will provide enough money and help quickly.
Charity groups have already built bamboo homes for some of the families.
Floodwaters from the Dikhow destroyed a major dairy hub in Assam’s Sivasagar district on July 19.
Around 150 Gorkha families lost cattle, vehicles, farms and income, while at least 1,000 cows reportedly died.
The area previously produced about 5,000 litres of milk daily and employed roughly 500 local workers.
Farmers say they may migrate to southern states if rehabilitation and financial assistance are delayed.
Global Sikhs Charity and the Gorkha Development Council have built more than 175 bamboo cottages for affected families.
- Who
- About 150 Gorkha dairy-farming families in Nepali Khuti and nearby settlements, along with about 500 local workers.
- What
- Flooding destroyed livestock, vehicles, crops and the dairy supply chain, leaving families without income and raising fears of migration.
- Where
- Nepali Khuti and nearby areas in Sivasagar district, Assam, along the Dikhow river.
- When
- The flooding occurred on July 19; the farmers were still awaiting rehabilitation about one month later.
- Why
- The Dikhow overflowed beyond its previous levels, sweeping through homes, farms and businesses.
Farmers’ Concerns
Reported Relief Efforts
Speed and adequacy of rehabilitation
Farmers’ Concerns
Farmers say assistance must begin quickly and be large enough to rebuild their livestock businesses; otherwise, they may seek work in Chennai, Bengaluru or Kerala.
Reported Relief Efforts
The farmers expressed faith in the state government, while charities and the Gorkha Development Council have provided housing support through more than 175 bamboo cottages.
Key facts
- Livestock losses
- At least 1,000 cows were reportedly lost, along with goats and poultry.
- Dairy production before floods
- The area produced around 5,000 litres of milk daily.
- Families affected
- About 150 Gorkha families operated the dairy business.
- Employment impact
- The dairy and vegetable trade engaged about 500 local workers.
- Reported government aid
- Farmers said they had heard of ₹1.2 lakh in assistance for three cows.
- Milk prices
- Milk sold for ₹45 per litre wholesale and ₹65 per litre retail.
- Housing relief
- More than 175 bamboo cottages were built by Global Sikhs Charity and the Gorkha Development Council.
Quotes
Rishiram Sharma
A 54-year-old dairy farmer from Nepali Khuti who lost most of his livestock and assets in the flood.
“We have heard we shall get ₹1.2 lakh (against three cows, from the government). How can we restart our business with this amount? We hope the government help will be adequate and quick.”
telegraphindia.com
“It’s already been a month. If there’s more delay, we shall have to look for jobs in Chennai, Bengaluru or Kerala. We’ll wait till Diwali.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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