An intensive fodder development programme will be implemented in the district in irrigated and rainfed areas through a comprehensive programme.
The government has sanctioned Rs. 43.75 lakh for this special scheme for 2014-15.
Special agricultural implements with a focus on water harvesting strategy will be distributed among farmers and cultivators.
Fodder with more protein content to enhance the weight of the livestock would be cultivated in the district, said Darez Ahamed, Collector, here on Monday.
Explaining the state fodder development scheme being implemented in the district, he said Co 3 and Co 4 fodder would be cultivated in the irrigated areas while maize and karamani would be cultivated in the rainfed areas.
Agathi and Asola would be cultivated to enhance the cattle population and quality yield in milk.
The Animal Husbandry Department has adopted a double-pronged strategy to tide over the shortage in fodder and for ensuring quality in the fertility of milch animals.
Special subsidy would be granted to 400 farmers at the rate of Rs. 2,000 each for the purchase of implements for raising fodder grass.
This apart, seeds and other inputs would be distributed among 3,200 farmers for raising fodder maize and karamani.
AgathiAbout 50 acres would be brought under agathi cultivation for which Rs. 80,000 had been sanctioned.
To increase the protein content and enhance milk production, azola would be cultivated at an expenditure of Rs. 5.60 lakh.
About 350 fodder growers would be identified under this scheme.
Pointing out that shortage of water resulted in fertility and fall in milk yield, especially during summer season, he said rain guns would be distributed among 60 persons for which a subsidy of Rs. 11.25 lakh had been earmarked.
Dr. Ahamed appealed to farmers and fodder growers to take advantage of this scheme. They could contact the nearest veterinary official for details.
