High economical Losses without grazing ground: Mulankavil Cattle Breeders

No grazing is available for more than 3,000 cattle in Mulankavil of the Kilinochchi District. During the sowing period theses cattle had to be moved to Illuppaikadavai, 20 Km. away, said T. A. Jeganathan, the president of the Milk Producers Association, Mulankavil.

There are more than 3,000 cattle with Cattle Breeders of Mulankavil coming under Poonakary Divisional Secretary’s area in Kilinochchi District. There is no grazing ground in this area. A situation exists to date, where, during Paddy seasons we had to move our cattle to Illuppaikadavai, which is 20 Km. away.

We used to hand over our cattle to care takers and we had to pay for the care takers. The production also is lost during these seasons and we incur double expenditure due to this.

We are appealing for the last six years to provide us with a grazing ground. Enough lands are available in Mulankavil itself for grazing grounds. 500 acre jungle lands near Kathiravil tank, which could be converted to grazing ground, cutting only small trees. The Forest Department under the lands come should release these lands. But the Forest Department is refusing to release them.

The District Secretary, Kilinochchi when contacted said that, he had requested the Forest Department to release lands sufficient to create at least one grazing ground. But as no reply had been received from the Forest Department, no further action could be taken. Another attempt will be made in this regard and action will be taken to set up at least one grazing ground, he said.