To address the drought, the government has set up seven fodder banks throughout Belgaum district, offering discounted rates to cattle owners. The animal husbandry department has established three fodder banks in Athani taluk, two in Raibag, and one each in Gokak and Chikkodi. At these facilities, farmers can procure chopped fodder at the rate of Rs 2 per kilogram.
Rajeev Kuler, deputy director of the animal husbandry department, mentioned that fodder banks have been established in response to demand, with the possibility of further expansion if required. Fodder is acquired from farmers by the revenue department and stored in these banks. According to departmental sources, the obtained fodder is anticipated to meet the district’s needs for the next 20 weeks.
To alleviate farmers’ worries, the department has assigned a nodal officer for every taluk and introduced helpline numbers at the taluk level. These helplines offer assistance to farmers facing drought-related issues.
Assistant director Yaragatti clarified that inadequate rainfall last year has led to diminishing water levels in many dams and reservoirs, causing poor crop yields and a shortage of fodder. To address this issue, the department has been providing fodder seed kits to farmers.
During the initial phase, 36,900 kits were disseminated in December 2023, followed by the distribution of approximately 27,000 kits in the second phase in March 2024. As per sources from the animal husbandry department, the district accommodates over 13 lakh cattle, encompassing cows, buffaloes, and oxen.
