Story perspectives

Maharashtra drought drives 300->50 cattle sales, fodder cuts

By Drooid · Oct 3, 2026, 4:08 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Latur Farmers Cut

Farmers in Latur cut standing sugarcane to feed livestock amid severe fodder shortage.
Maharashtra declared drought in 265 of 358 talukas, 74 percent of the state, and announced loan restructuring, concessions and subsidies.
Farmer Narayan Gude of Kavha farms seven acres, keeps seven buffaloes, two cows and calves.
Gude says milk fell to 10-12 litres and he needs half-tonne sugarcane daily.
He urges the state to set up official fodder camps immediately.

Summary

Bullock Prices Drop

Bullock pairs in Yavatmal fell 25-30% in price, from ~INR2 lakh to INR1.5-1.6 lakh.
Weekly cattle markets now list only 50-60 pairs for sale, down from 300.
Traders report transport to other states is hard because of interception fears for slaughter.
Deputy Commissioner Dr Mangesh Kale announced 100% subsidized fodder seeds for irrigated farmers.

History

Historical Context

In 2002, drought covered about 70 % of Maharashtra, leading Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh to approve a Rs 2,000 crore relief package and NABARD to lend Rs 150 million after the IMD reported a 12-inch rainfall shortfall. The event recalled the 1972 drought that forced aid for 25 million people and the 1970-73 famine-prevention program that averted deaths, experiences that guided later 2013 drought policies and calls for permanent irrigation.

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Latur Farmers Cut

Farmers in Latur cut standing sugarcane to feed livestock amid severe fodder shortage.
Maharashtra declared drought in 265 of 358 talukas, 74 percent of the state, and announced loan restructuring, concessions and subsidies.
Farmer Narayan Gude of Kavha farms seven acres, keeps seven buffaloes, two cows and calves.
Gude says milk fell to 10-12 litres and he needs half-tonne sugarcane daily.
He urges the state to set up official fodder camps immediately.

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