In times of drought, cattle drive to a goshala (cattle shed) to feed them and driving them back may prove cumbersome. That explains the reason for the declining demand for goshalas in some of the drought-affected districts in the State. If the developments in the drought-affected districts are of any indication, the goshala concept seems to be becoming redundant and is being replaced by fodder banks.
This year, the Vijayapura district administration drifted away from the traditional practice of opening goshalas and instead opened more fodder banks following suggestions from farmers favouring the fodder banks.
Primary reason
“The primary reason for the farmers preferring fodder banks is that it saves time.
After driving the cattle to the goshalas, the farmers have to sit idle. Farmers suggested opening fodder banks from where they could collect fodder to feed the cattle at home while they can take up a job for a living,” said Deputy Commissioner, D. Randeep.
Their suggestion has resulted in the opening of 15 fodder banks in Vijayapura district and some more are on the anvil as there is a heavy demand for them.
At the fodder banks, the farmers are being sold fodder at Rs. 3 a kg while the procurement price is Rs. 6 a kg.
Another advantage of fodder bank is that it helps in preventing irregularities. “It is easier to monitor the purchase and sale of fodder thus making it more transparent and increase accountability,” he said.
In Raichur
Considering the previous years’ experience and lack of demand, no goshalas have been opened in Raichur too. However, the response for fodder banks is also not encouraging as farmers want the fodder free of cost. “At the 11 fodder banks in the district, we have sufficient fodder stock. Despite being sold at 50 per cent subsidy, there not many buyers for fodder as farmers want it free of cost. We have brought it to the notice of the government”, Deputy Commissioner of Raichur Sasikanth S. Senthil told The Hindu.
In Chitradurga
The sorry state of goshala at Sanikere village in Challakere taluk of Chitradurga district only supports the allegation that “in goshalas, the corrupt get more fodder than the cattle.” Despite repeated pleas by villagers for supply of fodder and water, the goshala was opened only recently after the Cabinet sub-committee had announced its plan to visit the village. But by that time several faremrs had sold their cattle.
The goshala was filled to the brim on the day of the sub-committee’s visit. A reality-check after four days revealed the presence of only a few dozen heads of cattle and little fodder. “There is no one to hear our grievances,” Shankreppa, a resident complained. Interestingly, there are no fodder banks in the district and the officials see a demand for more goshalas.
(With inputs from Kumar Buradikatti and Pradeepkumar Kadkol)
