Maharashtra earmarks 5 per cent district funds for fodder production
The state government will use district annual plan funds to tackle fodder scarcity and implement digital monitoring at cattle camps.
The Maharashtra government has decided to allocate at least 5 per cent of District Annual Plan funds toward the production and conservation of fodder, according to The Hindu. This move aims to address fodder shortages caused by drought-like conditions in the state.
Animal Husbandry Minister Pankaja Munde said the plan involves creating fodder banks, encouraging different cultivation techniques, and using digital tools to monitor cattle camps. The measures follow recommendations from a study group and were approved by a Cabinet sub-committee led by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on October 27.
Under the new guidelines, the government will promote low-water crops like maize, jowar, and bajra. Fodder seeds will be provided through Mahabeej and other agencies for the Rabi season. The state will also use government agricultural land, grazing grounds, and fallow land for cultivation.
The government has set maximum support prices of ₹12 per kg for dry fodder and ₹8 per kg for silage, excluding transport costs. To ensure transparency, an online monitoring system will track livestock registration, fodder distribution, and veterinary services. Cattle camps must also use CCTV surveillance and biometric or QR code-based attendance.
District Collectors will oversee restrictions on moving fodder to neighbouring states and manage supplies between districts. Additionally, using fodder for non-feed purposes, such as biofuel production or packaging, will be prohibited during drought conditions.