The periodic spells of rain in the district during summer months have helped the Animal Husbandry Department in not operating fodder depots this year.
Cattlerearers have been able to tide over the summer month. According to Animal Husbandry department sources, there is adequate availability of green fodder, and hence, the need to procure straw from harvest sites has not arisen.
Last year, the department sold paddy straw as cattle feed at subsidised cost to farmers through veterinary hospitals in Bhavani, Perundurai, Elumathur, Polavakalipalayam, Nambiyur, and other places.
The department used to procure paddy for Rs. 10 per kilogram and sell the same for Rs. 2.
The fodder depots served the purpose of preventing distress-sale of cattle by the rearers. This year, in the wake of the summer showers, there will be no shortage of green fodder until the rainfall season later this year, Animal Husbandry department officials said.
