Maharashtra sets aside at least 5% of District Annual Plan funds for fodder production

30 October 2026

Maharashtra has ordered that not less than 5% of District Annual Plan funds go to fodder production and conservation, as dry conditions spread across the State. A Government Resolution to that effect was issued on 30 October, after a Cabinet sub-committee under Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule cleared the plan three days earlier. The recommendations came from a study group set up under the Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue Department. Animal Husbandry Minister Pankaja Munde said fodder banks will be opened in every district and cattle camps will be watched digitally. Seed for the Rabi season is to be supplied through Mahabeej and other agencies, and farmers will be pushed towards maize, jowar and bajra, which need less water. The State has capped support prices at Rs 12 a kg for dry fodder and Rs 8 a kg for silage, leaving out transport. Hydroponics, Azolla and thornless cactus are listed as alternative fodder sources, and a Fodder Literacy Campaign will teach storage and silage making. An online Fodder Camp Monitoring and Management System with biometric or QR attendance will track every camp.