Full Breakdown
Drought-Driven Fodrow Shortage Forces Maharashtra Farmers to Sell Livestock
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Core Crisis: Drought-Induced Fodrow Deficit and Livestock Sales
Severe, rainfall-deficient conditions across Maharashtra’s kharif season have left millions of livestock without adequate feed. In Yavatmal district, 8,17,932 animals require roughly 85,929 metric tonnes of fodder each month, yet only 3,35,598 metric tonnes are available, enough for 70-157 days depending on the taluka. Shortages in Latur and other Marathwada districts have forced farmers to sell bullocks, buffaloes, goats and cows at sharply reduced prices.
Background & Context
The state government declared drought in 265 of Maharashtra’s 358 talukas (about 74 %) on September 25. Relief measures include crop-loan restructuring, land-revenue concessions and power-bill subsidies, plus a promise to arrange fodder. Local reports, however, indicate that fodder supplies are already exhausted in many areas, while water scarcity compounds the problem.
Data & Statistics
- Yavatmal’s fodder stock will last until January 31 2017 in Yavatmal and Ralegaon talukas; elsewhere it ranges from 90 to 157 days.
- Bullock pair prices have fallen 25-30 %: from ~INR2 lakh to INR1.5-1.6 lakh.
- Latur farmer Narayan Gude needs ~0.5 tonne of sugarcane daily to feed his herd; milk yield has dropped to 10-12 litres per day.
- The 2024 Livestock Census records 53.59 lakh animals in Marathwada, requiring over 24,000 metric tonnes of fodder daily; officials say current fodder can sustain 76-179 days.
- Water tankers serve 295-157 villages, costing INR800-INR1,500 per delivery.
Criticism & Opposition
Farmers and activists argue that government measures are insufficient. Jivan Rathod, filing an intervention in a related court case, criticized the lack of basic water, sanitation and housing for migrant sugarcane workers, calling for stricter compliance.
On-the-Ground Reports
- Raju Hete (Yavatmal) reported that weekly markets now see only 50-60 bullock pairs versus 300 previously.
- Narayan Gude (Latur) described chopping sugarcane and soybean residue to make fodder, noting a drastic fall in milk production.
- Sangeeta Gaikwad (Latur) attempted to sell two goats bought for INR14,000 each, now fetching less than INR11,000 due to water scarcity.
- Gorakh Chavan (Jalna, Marathwada) traveled 50 km to a market on September 27 but returned with his bullock unsold.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Farmers who have irrigation facilities should undertake fodder cultivation. Fodder seeds will be provided with a 100 per cent subsidy so that the fodder shortage can be addressed,” — Dr Kale, deputy commissioner, Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Department, Yavatmal
- “There are hardly any buyers for the cattle brought to the markets. We are currently scouting for animals that we feel can be resold to farmers. We cannot afford to offer higher prices to farmers who want to sell their livestock.” — Samauddin Inamdar
What’s Next
The state plans to distribute subsidised fodder seeds and monitor Rabi-crop sowing outcomes. Officials indicate that if Rabi crops succeed, the projected December fodder gap could be averted. No further water-relief announcements have been made, and farmers continue to seek additional support for livestock watering.