Maharashtra Faces 22.79% Shortage in Green Fodder Amid Drought
The Maharashtra government prioritizes water usage as drought conditions worsen, leading to significant fodder shortages for livestock.
Maharashtra declares drought in 265 talukas due to El Niño effects.
Water supply will be reduced by 10% starting October 16, 2026.
The state faces a 22.79% deficit in green fodder and 21.43% in dry fodder.
In response to the escalating drought conditions exacerbated by the El Niño phenomenon, the Maharashtra government has issued a directive to local authorities to prioritize water and fodder usage. The state has experienced a significant decline in rainfall this year, prompting the State Water Resources Department to mandate a 10% reduction in water supply starting October 16, 2026, to ensure that residents do not face drinking water shortages. A buffer stock of drinking water will be maintained for emergencies due to the unpredictable nature of the situation.
Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan announced that drought has been officially declared in 265 talukas, activating 'Trigger-1' of the 2016 Kharif season. He warned that the effects of El Niño are expected to persist for the next two years, necessitating careful management of water resources. The minister emphasized that in extreme situations, water from dead storage could be utilized after a technical assessment, and local bodies must focus on recycling sewage water to mitigate shortages.
The minister outlined a multi-faceted approach to water management, prioritizing drinking water, followed by livestock and fodder needs, and then irrigation. He stressed the importance of water-saving irrigation techniques and proposed that 30% of water should be reused for industrial purposes. To combat unauthorized water usage, joint teams from the Revenue, Police, and Water Resources Departments will monitor and take action against illegal water extraction from various sources.
In addition to water shortages, the state is also grappling with a severe deficit in livestock fodder due to drought conditions. Current estimates indicate a 22.79% shortfall in green fodder and a 21.43% shortfall in dry fodder. With approximately 2.78 crore livestock in Maharashtra, the demand for green fodder stands at 1,176.78 lakh metric tonnes, while only 907.49 lakh metric tonnes are currently available, resulting in a deficit of 268.37 lakh metric tonnes. Similarly, the requirement for dry fodder is 377.87 lakh metric tonnes, but only 296.62 lakh metric tonnes are accessible, leading to a shortfall of 81.06 lakh metric tonnes.
Looking ahead, the Maharashtra government is urging citizens and local bodies to conserve water diligently to avert a potential crisis in the upcoming year. The administration is calling for cooperation from all sectors to ensure sustainable water usage and to address the pressing challenges posed by the ongoing drought.
