Maharashtra Allocates ₹76.41 Crore for Silage Scheme Amid Drought

In response to severe drought conditions affecting dairy farming, Maharashtra's animal husbandry department has launched 'Mission Murghas,' a scheme designed to promote scientific fodder conservation. This initiative particularly targets the Marathwada and Vidarbha regions, where dairy farming is a crucial source of income for rural communities. The scheme provides a subsidy of ₹3 per kilogram of silage purchased by eligible milk producers and livestock owners across 19 districts, based on a daily requirement of five kilograms per animal for a duration of 90 days.

The launch of this scheme comes as Maharashtra faces significant challenges due to drought, with 305 talukas officially declared drought-hit. The lack of sufficient fodder not only threatens milk production but also jeopardizes the livelihoods of farmers reliant on dairy. Kiran Patil, the animal husbandry commissioner, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the initiative aims to help farmers navigate this crisis and maintain their livelihoods.

In addition to the subsidy, the state has allocated ₹76.41 crore for fodder cultivation and silage production, supplementing the ₹51.20 crore already designated for fodder seed distribution for the upcoming kharif season. The campaign encourages farmers to utilize available green fodder for silage production, ensuring that their livestock receive adequate nutrition even during periods of scarcity. This is particularly vital as Maharashtra's dairy sector produced approximately 166.26 lakh metric tonnes of milk in the 2024-25 fiscal year, underscoring the importance of maintaining fodder security.

The Vidarbha-Marathwada Dairy Development Project, implemented in collaboration with the National Dairy Development Board, has expanded its procurement network to 3,411 villages, covering around 35,000 milk producers by February 2025. The average daily milk procurement stands at about 4.5 lakh kilograms. Experts highlight that silage, made from crops like maize and sorghum, can be preserved for use during dry spells, thereby stabilizing feed availability and milk production costs.

As the scheme rolls out, beneficiaries can claim subsidies through direct benefit transfers upon providing proof of silage purchase. Training sessions will be organized to educate farmers on proper silage preparation and storage techniques. The success of this initiative will depend on timely implementation and the availability of quality silage, ensuring that small dairy farmers can sustain their operations and income during challenging times.