Matter Of Concern: HD Kumaraswamy On Outbreak Of Foot-And-Mouth Disease In Karnataka

HD Kumaraswamy said: It's a matter of concern for the farming community that there is an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) for cattle in the state now.

Former Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Saturday raised concerns about an outbreak of the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) among cattle in the state and condemned the ruling BJP government for its lack of commitment in handling the situation. Taking to Twitter, Mr Kumaraswamy said, "It is a matter of concern for the farming community that there is an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) for cattle in the state now. Media reports have stated that even Ramanagara is one of the districts where this viral disease has been reported." He warned that the disease can turn out to be fatal for the cattle and also lower milk production. Mr Kumaraswamy pointed out that dairy farmers were already in a tough situation due to due to decreased milk procurement prices and increased cost of cattle feed. In a series of tweets, he wrote, "FMD is a serious disease as it can turn out to be fatal for the cattle. Also, it has the potential to reduce milk yield, fertility and cause chronic health problems for cattle. This will further deteriorate the financial condition of poor farmers. The dairy farmers are in a tough situation already due to reduction in milk procurement prices and increase in cost of cattle feed. In such a situation, there is a fear that outbreak of FMD may turn dairy farming into a loss-making venture."