Punjab’s cow shelters (gaushalas) are facing a severe financial crisis following a two-fold surge in wheat husk (tudi) prices, a key component of cattle feed. According to gaushala operators and dairy farmers, the price of wheat husk has risen from ₹400–500 per quintal to ₹900–1,200 per quintal, significantly increasing the cost of maintaining cattle.
Tudi, prepared from wheat straw after harvesting and threshing, is a crucial feed ingredient for cattle across Punjab. The sharp increase has been attributed to lower wheat production, reduced fodder availability and rising demand, placing additional pressure on institutions already struggling with limited resources.
Many gaushalas, which depend heavily on donations and community support, have reported difficulties in meeting daily feed requirements for thousands of stray and abandoned cattle. Operators have warned that if fodder prices remain elevated, maintaining animal welfare standards will become increasingly challenging.
Dairy farmers are also feeling the impact, as higher feed costs continue to squeeze profitability and increase the overall cost of milk production. Industry stakeholders have called for government intervention and support measures to address the fodder crisis and protect both the livestock and dairy sectors from further financial stress.
Source: Dairynews7x7 2 June, 2026 Read full story here
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