Anantapur, Sri Sathya Sai Livestock Farmers Get Rs 1 Crore Fodder Relief

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to immediately supply 250 metric tonnes of fodder worth Rs 1 crore to cattle-rearing farmers in Anantapur and Sri Sathya Sai districts, which are facing a severe shortage of animal feed due to the impact of El Niño.

The decision follows an appeal by Minister Satyakumar Yadav, who brought the issue to the Chief Minister's attention during the State Cabinet meeting on November 9. He warned that inadequate rainfall and adverse climatic conditions could leave livestock farmers struggling to feed their animals, affecting both the rural economy and farmers' livelihoods. Responding to his request, Naidu instructed officials to identify shortage-hit areas and arrange immediate supplies.

An assessment by the Animal Husbandry Department revealed that the two districts together face a fodder deficit of approximately 11.04 lakh metric tonnes. The review examined existing stocks, estimated requirements and areas requiring urgent intervention.

In Sri Sathya Sai district, fodder shortages have been reported across all 363 Revenue Village Secretariats. The district has around 3,56,900 cows and buffaloes and 32,49,250 sheep and goats. Against the 90-day requirement of 4,58,946 metric tonnes, only 2,39,891 metric tonnes are available, leaving a deficit of 2,19,055 metric tonnes.

The situation is more critical in Anantapur district, where shortages have been identified in 293 of the 362 Revenue Village Secretariat jurisdictions. The district has 3,50,425 cattle and 8,84,756 sheep and goats. Its available stock of 3,87,533 metric tonnes falls significantly short of the estimated 90-day requirement of 12,72,426 metric tonnes, resulting in a deficit of 8,84,893 metric tonnes.

Animal Husbandry Department Director Amarendra said emergency arrangements were being made to distribute 250 metric tonnes of fodder valued at Rs 1 crore. The department is preparing a targeted supply plan covering dry fodder, green fodder and cattle feed, with priority given to areas facing the most severe shortages.

Minister Satyakumar Yadav assured livestock farmers that the government was taking steps to protect their animals and prevent losses to their livelihoods. He thanked the Chief Minister for responding promptly and emphasised that safeguarding livestock and supporting farmers remained a key government responsibility.