Udupi District Sees 23% Drop in Livestock Numbers, Raising Concerns

In the last year, livestock numbers in Udupi district fell by 23%, dropping from roughly 4.2 million heads to about 3.25 million. The decline represents a significant contraction in the livestock sector, which supports over 80 000 families in the region.

Investigations attribute the fall to a severe spring drought that reduced fodder availability, coupled with an outbreak of foot‑and‑mouth disease which curtailed breeding and increased mortality. The combination of heat stress and disease has led to lower calf births and higher mortality rates across cattle, buffaloes, and goats.

The loss in livestock has immediate economic repercussions: farmers face reduced milk production, leading to higher prices for consumers, while many depend on animal labor for crop harvesting. Government officials are eyeing emergency relief measures, including veterinary support and fodder subsidies, to halt further decline. Source: Google News – Udupi.