The district administration has resumed distribution of cattle feed following a cry for fodder in Lakhya hobli.
Two fodder banks were opened in the hobli from Monday. While 140 farmers availed of the benefit at APMC, 220 farmers received the fodder at Medarahalli.
Each farmer, who has enrolled for the benefit, is being distributed 50 kg of fodder at Rs 2 per kg and the demand for fodder and water is reaching its peak.The cattle feed includes paddy hay and maize powder. To meet the demand, 80 quintals of paddy hay and 200 quintals of maize powder have been stocked.
Farmer Beeranahalli Jayanna said the protection of livestock has become a challenge due to lack of feed. In the wake of crisis-like situation, the district administration should distribute the feed based on the number of livestocks. Now, the feed is being distributed equally irrespective of number of livestocks, he said.
Kalma Rudresh and Girijesh of Akkammanahalli said, “We have to travel 20 km to claim the benefit and spend thousands of rupees on rent to hire a goods vehicle. Earlier, it was promised that one quintal
of feed will be distributed distribute one quintal of feed per card. Now, only 50 kg is being given.”
According to the available information, 5,528 fodder cards have been distributed in Lakhya hobli alone. The department of animal husbandry and veterinary services has been tasked with the distribution of cattle feed.
While extending the benefit, the authorities will compare both Aadhaar numbers and ration card of the beneficiaries to prevent any duplication. Farmers from three to four villages are covered in a day, who have been transporting the fodder in goods autorickshaws, tractors and also bullock carts.
Farmer Rudresh regretted that cattle are taken to hilly areas to feed on the available leaves owing to lack of feed. However, it still proves inadequate due to lack of nutrition among the animals. When such cattle are taken for tilling, they appear exhausted in no time, he said.
However, when compared to the poor response to cattle shed opened at APMC yard on May 24, the response to similar facility at Panchanahalli in Kadur taluk is good.
Taluk Panchayat president E R Mahesh said, “Following the demand to resume fodder bank and also cattle sheds during recent Zilla Panchayat meetings, the officials have resumed the activities. They had stopped distributing feed 25 days ago.”
Assistant director of department of animal husbandry and veterinary services Dr Ajit Kumar said the cattle feed distributed per card will last for 12 days.
Following the demand, the feed is being brought from Shiralakoppa and Badami in Shivamogga district, he added.
