(a) whether the Government is aware that the farmers are facing shortage of straw fodder this year and the rate thereof has rapidly reached Rs.17 to 20 per kilogram;
(b) if so, whether the Government proposes to provide financial assistance to the farmers to provide fodder to the farmers; and
(c) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER FOR FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING
(SHRI PARSHOTTAM RUPALA)
(a) During summer months, shortage of straw fodder is generally reported in some of the States and the cost of straw fodder is also comparatively higher as compared to other months due to non-availability of greens and more demand of fodder for the livestock rearers.
(b) & (c) Union Government is implementing National Livestock Mission with a Sub Mission on Feed and Fodder Development wherein financial assistance is provided for the production of quality fodder seeds as well as Incentivization is also provided up to 50 per cent capital subsidy (maximum Rs.50 lakhs) for value addition such as Hay/Silage/total Mixed rations (TMR)/Fodder Block and storage of fodder thereby increasing fodder availability in the country.Financial assistance is also provided to the State Governments for supply of fodder during the natural calamities for the notified areas/districts declared by the State Governments under NDRF/SDRF as a part of relief measure. Inaddition, State Governments also implements fodder development programmes and also under takes supply of fodder to the farmers.
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