A goshala with few cattle in C'Magaluru

Was opened too late; time now for rain, agricultural activities, say district farmers

The goshala started by the district administration on the APMC premises has failed to receive good response from the farmers. With very few cattle, the goshala is wearing an empty look.

Only a handful of farmers of Beekanahalli have left their cattle at the goshala. The farmers from Lakya, Hiregowju, Chikkagowju, Hampapura, in contrast, are not making use of the facility.

Speaking to DH, Shivappa, a farmer from Beekanahalli said, “The monsoon will enter the state shortly and the farmers have started their agricultural activities. Had the district administration opened the goshala two months ago, it would have benefited the farmers. Now, who will come here with the cattle, leaving behind their agriculture activities?”

The goshala was inaugurated on May 24 and is maintained jointly by the Department of Animal Husbandry and the Art of Living Vyakti Vikasa Kendra. There were 52 cattle on the day of inauguration – now, there are only eight cattle.

The godown of the goshala has two lorry loads of paddy straw. The cattle are fed 5 kg of straw while a calf is given 2.5 kg straw. Water tanks have been constructed to supply water to the cattle. The veterinary doctors visit goshala daily.

No green grass

“As the number of cattle is less, we have not procured green grass. The goshala can maintain 2,000 cattle. Some of the farmers from Beekanahalli come here. They get their cattle to graze and take them back in the evening,” said Yogesh of Vyakti Vikasa Kendra.

Coconut fronds have been used to provide shelter to the cattle at the goshala. However, waste is dumped just a few metres away from the goshala. There is a lack of facilities for farmers to stay at goshala.

Animal Husbandry Department deputy director Dr D Prabhulinga said that Rs 70 and Rs 35 are spent on cattle and calf daily. The farmers should make use of the facilities.

Thotappa, a farmer from Beekanahalli, said, “It is difficult to get cattle to Chikkamagaluru from villages. The goshala should have been started at Kalasapura.” For details on the goshala, one can contact: 9845695071, 9731735542.