India

Maharashtra Allocates 5% of District Plan Funds for Fodder Production

By Yohaan Varghese

The Maharashtra government has decided to earmark at least 5% of District Annual Plan funds for fodder production and conservation amid drought‑like conditions in the State. The action plan includes setting up fodder banks, promoting alternative cultivation methods and introducing digital monitoring of cattle camps, Animal Husbandry Minister Pankaja Munde said. The measures follow recommendations by a study group constituted under the Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue Department. The recommendations were approved by a Cabinet sub‑committee headed by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on October 27, with a Government Resolution (GR) issued on October 30. Under the plan, fodder seeds will be supplied through Mahabeej and other agencies for the Rabi season, while cultivation of low‑water‑requirement crops such as maize, jowar and bajra will be encouraged. Government‑owned agricultural land, grazing grounds and fallow land will also be utilised for fodder production. District‑level fodder banks will be established with the participation of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), companies and NGOs. The government has fixed maximum support prices of ₹12 per kg for dry fodder and ₹8 per kg for silage, excluding transportation costs. Alternative fodder sources, including hydroponics, Azolla and thornless cactus cultivation, will be promoted. A ‘Fodder Literacy Campaign’ will train livestock owners in fodder storage, silage preparation and conservation techniques. During shortages, fodder use for non‑feed purposes, including packaging, biofuel production and power generation, will be prohibited. District Collectors will oversee restrictions on transportation to neighbouring States, while inter‑district supplies will be arranged where necessary. The State will also introduce an online ‘Fodder Camp Monitoring and Management System’ to track livestock registration, attendance, fodder distribution, veterinary services and expenditure. Biometric or QR code‑based attendance, livestock verification and round‑the‑clock CCTV surveillance will be mandatory at cattle camps. District‑level committees headed by Guardian Ministers will oversee camp planning, while District Collectors will assess local fodder and water availability before approving camps. Sugar factories, dairy cooperatives and voluntary organisations will be involved in fodder management, with CSR funds sought for camp facilities. The Animal Husbandry Department will prepare district‑wise fodder balance sheets and submit weekly reports to monitor availability and requirements. Ms. Munde said the government was focusing on increasing production and conserving available fodder rather than relying solely on cattle camps, and called for coordinated implementation across departments.