Hassan’s drought-hit farmers are facing a growing fodder shortage, with relief funds yet to be released even after the state government declared all eight taluks in the district drought-affected. Farmers and milk producers are seeking fodder banks, subsidised cattle feed and a district-wide assessment of demand to protect livestock and dairy incomes.
Hassan has 5,61,037 livestock, including cows and buffaloes, according to the department of animal husbandry and veterinary services. The department estimates that each animal requires at least 5kg of green fodder a day, while the district’s current fodder stock is estimated at 562 tonnes.
Farmers have asked authorities to distribute the available fodder to areas facing the most severe shortages. They have also sought fodder banks in every part of the district, with supplies tailored to the specific requirements of individual taluks rather than relying on a uniform distribution system.
The demands come after a season of crop losses and financial stress in a district where agriculture is a major economic activity. Dairy farming is a key source of income for many households, and an estimated 60% to 70% of farmers in Hassan depend on it. Farmers and milk producers say that a shortage of fodder could reduce milk production while affecting the health of cattle.
They have also urged the government to direct cattle-feed manufacturing units to supply feed to farmers and milk producers at subsidised rates. The request is intended to address the gap between available green fodder and the immediate feed requirements of livestock as drought conditions continue.
Hanumegowda, deputy director of the department of animal husbandry and veterinary services, said the department was taking precautionary measures to prevent a fodder shortage. “Reports are being collected daily from the taluk-level offices,” he told the Times of India.
The daily reports are expected to help the department track local shortages and identify areas requiring supplies. Farmers, however, have called for timely action from the district administration and the state government, including the release of relief funds and the creation of fodder banks before the situation worsens.
The administration’s immediate response will determine how available fodder is assessed and distributed across Hassan’s eight drought-affected taluks. Farmers and milk producers are awaiting measures on fodder supply, subsidised cattle feed and relief funding.
