Government sells fodder at Rs 2 per kilogram to help ryots

“In the last 15 days, we distributed 1.24 lakh kgs of hay to 1,676 farmers and 6,294 cattle and goat owners. Under the scheme we will continue to provide fodder at a subsidised rate to help farmers to save their cattle from starvation,” said an Agriculture department official. The state government has been distributing cattle and sheep to farmers since 2011. The recent drought situation has affected the livestock too as the farmers find it difficult to buy fodder. To save the livestock from starvation, the farmers were forced to allow them to feed on dried crops. 

Taking note of their plight, government announced a new scheme of distributing hay at subsidised price to help the farmers tide over the crises. In the new scheme, farmers would be able to buy hay which costs Rs 10 per kg in the open market at Rs 2 per kg at the centres set up for this purpose. 

Nearly 300 centres have been set up for the purpose across the state. Rs 55.71 crore has been allotted for the project. Each distribution centre would get Rs 18.27 lakh for supplying subsidised fodder. “This year, we have been experiencing severe drought and the crops have failed completely. Our situation worsened when we were not able to get fodder for our livestock. The scheme had come at the right moment. If it continues for the next three months, we would get rain in June and can save our cattle,” said Prema, a farmer from Kappalur near Tirumangalam in Madurai. 

Pandiammal from Kalloothu village near Usilampatti said, “The distribution of fodder at Rs 2 per kg has benefitted us a lot. At least, we can minimise our loss of livestock. The scheme should continue till the next monsoon sets in.”