JOIN USGathering of hay for fodder banks set up by the government has kickstarted at Gownipalli village in the taluk.
Officers of revenue and animal husbandry departments have started collecting excess fodder from farmers after due persuasion.
After touring various villages in the taluk, officers have collected 13 tonnes of hay, so far.
A tonne of hay costs Rs 4,500. Fodder thus collected is later given to farmers, who are in dire need, at 50 per cent concession, said Dr T Jayakumar, assistant director of Departments of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences.
However, shortage of dry fodder is affecting purchase. Also, the government plans to sell fodder for free after purchasing fodder from local legislators’ funds.
Cultivation rises
In the wake of widespread drought situation in the State, farmers in the taluk are according top-most priority to growing fodder.
Addressing fodder requirement of cattle has turned out to be a Herculean task to farmers. Farmers who have access to irrigation are growing jowar in a bid to rescue their cattle from hunger.
As green fodder is not available, farmers are dependent on hay. Moreover, shortage of fodder has resulted in theft of fodder in the taluk.
As farmers are unable to grow commercial crops due to depleting groundwater level, they are resorting to cultivation of fodder.
Despite that farmers are struggling hard to feed their cattle.