FODDER SHORTAGE - ESTABLISHMENT OF FODDER BANKS
There is an overall shortage of fodder in the
drought affected States including Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh.
Government has taken steps to deal with the situation. An amount
of Rs.100 lakh was granted to Chattishgarh for enrichment of Straw/Cellulosic
waste during 2002-03. Madhya Pradesh was allotted 44000 and Chattishgarh
7600 fodder minikits during 2002-03. This information was given
by the Minister of State for Agriculture, Shri Hukumdeo Narayan
Yadav in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
In another reply , Shri Hukumdeo Narayan Yadav
informed the Rajya Sabha that . during 2002-03, Karnataka, Jammu
& Kashmir and Uttaranchal were granted Rs.13.55 lakh, Rs.55.50
lakh and Rs.54.60 lakh respectively for establishment of fodder
banks.
The Government of India grants funds to the
tune of 75% to the States for establishment of fodder banks. Besides,
fodder Minikits under the Central Minikit Testing Programme on
Fodder Crops are allotted to the States for onward supply to the
farmers free of cost for fodder and fodder seed production. In
addition, 100% Central funds are also provided to the States for
enrichment of straw/cellulosic waste.
