Maharashtra Allocates 5% of District Plan Funds to Fodder Schemes Amid Drought

Summary

Maharashtra’s drought‑hit districts will receive a dedicated share of the annual district plan fund for fodder‑related projects. The state government has issued a Gazette Notification directing collectors to set up fodder banks, cap prices and introduce biometric tracking for animal camps.

Key Points

• Funding allocation: Minimum 5 % of each district’s annual plan fund, subject to ministerial approval, must be earmarked for fodder production, preservation and alternative sources.
• Price caps: Maximum price for dry fodder set at ₹12 per kg and for silage at ₹8 per kg (transport excluded).
• Fodder banks: Collectors to collaborate with farmer producer organisations (FPOs), private firms and volunteers to establish storage facilities.
• Biometric tracking: Animal shelters will use biometric systems to monitor livestock movement and health.
• Land use: University farms, seed‑multiplication centres, agricultural corporation lands and department‑owned fields will be tapped for fodder cultivation.
• Inter‑state movement: Supply of fodder to neighbouring states is now limited to curb outflow.
• Drought context: 304 talukas have been declared drought‑affected; ‘Trigger‑1’ and ‘Trigger‑2’ alerts are active for the 2026 kharif season.
• Task force: A state‑level task force chaired by the Chief Secretary coordinates water‑conservation and fodder‑security measures.

Practical Implications

• Farmers & pastoralists can apply for funds through district offices to start fodder‑seed production or to set up storage.
• Verification: The Gazette Notification (GR) is available on the official Maharashtra government portal; district collectors will publish implementation guidelines on their websites.
• Monitoring: Biometric IDs will be issued to livestock owners, enabling real‑time tracking of fodder distribution.

How to Verify

1. Visit the Maharashtra Government’s Gazette website and search for the order dated 31 Oct 2026 under the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development & Fisheries.
2. Check district collectorate portals for local circulars and application forms.
3. Contact the state‑level fodder task force via the Chief Secretary’s office for status updates.

--- *The article reflects information released by the state government and does not constitute independent reporting.*