Mohd. Gulam was one among several farmers who arrived at Sultanabad along with their cattle from different parts of the district to attend the cattle camp organised by the district administration.
The camp resembled a cattle bazaar with thousands of cattle being brought here by farmers. The district administration, taking a cue from Maharashtra, decided to set up cattle camps to supply fodder and water to cattle as farmers were unable to feed them owing to severe drought conditions.
The Animal Husbandry Department set up the camp on one acre land and sheds were erected to provide shade to both farmers and their cattle. Inaugurated by local legislator M. Bhupl Reddy and K. Lakshma Reddy, Joint Director, Animal Husbandry, the camp was aimed at supporting farmers and prevent distress sale.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Bhupl Reddy said such a camp would help farmers in distress. The administration had estimated that about 600 to 800 cattle would be brought here the first day, but about 3,000 cattle arrived at the camp in the initial hours, with the number surging every passing hour, taking the officials by surprise. They had a tough time managing the registrations.
“Such a camp is organised for the first time in Telangana. It’s a relief for us and I am thankful to the government for taking the initiative to help us,” said Sangareddy, a farmer from Bokkasgam, a neighbouring village.
At the camp, water is being supplied from Nallavagu. Each cattle is being given about six kilograms of fodder free of cost in addition to one kilogram of concentrated feed at Rs. 6.50 per kilo.
Arrangements are also in place for collection of milk and payment for the same would be done by evening. A veterinary clinic has also been established here and farmers are given lunch in the afternoon.
“Farmers’ rush with their cattle has really surprised us and the number is more than what we expected. It took us lot of time for registrations and we are preparing to meet the demand without fail,” Dr. Laksmha Reddy told The Hindu .
