Maharashtra Allocates 5% of District Funds for Fodder Amid Drought Crisis
In response to severe drought conditions, Maharashtra has designated 5% of district funds for fodder schemes and restricted interstate fodder movement.
The Maharashtra government has declared drought in 304 tehsils, activating emergency measures.
District collectors are mandated to establish fodder banks and set price caps on dry fodder.
A comprehensive monitoring system will be implemented to track fodder availability and livestock management.
In a significant move to address the ongoing fodder crisis due to drought, the Maharashtra government has allocated five percent of the annual district plan funds specifically for fodder schemes. This decision comes as the state grapples with severe drought conditions affecting 304 tehsils, where emergency measures have been activated to mitigate the impact on livestock and farmers.
The resolution, issued by the Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development, and Fisheries Department, mandates district collectors to establish fodder banks and impose price ceilings on dry fodder. This initiative follows recommendations from a study group led by the Additional Chief Secretary, which aimed to identify strategies to combat fodder shortages stemming from insufficient rainfall. The Cabinet sub-committee on drought management has endorsed these recommendations in a recent meeting.
Under the new guidelines, district collectors are required to allocate at least five percent of their district's annual plan funds for enhancing fodder production and improving existing resources. The Agriculture Department will ensure the availability of fodder seeds for the upcoming rabi season, encouraging farmers to cultivate drought-resistant fodder crops. Additionally, the government plans to utilize agricultural university lands and other state-owned properties for fodder cultivation.
The implications of these measures are significant for the agricultural and livestock sectors in Maharashtra. With the legal ban on the movement of fodder from drought-affected areas to neighboring states, local supplies will be prioritized. The government aims to enhance transparency and efficiency through a state-level monitoring system that will track fodder demand, availability, and cattle camp operations.
Looking ahead, the government will restructure district-level drought management committees to ensure effective implementation of these measures. The establishment of fodder camps will depend on local livestock populations and the availability of resources. The state is also promoting alternative fodder sources and encouraging corporate social responsibility initiatives to support fodder production and management efforts.
