Maharashtra caps base price of dry fodder at Rs 12 a kg and silage at Rs 8 a kg amid drought

Anticipating a fodder shortage in drought conditions, the Maharashtra government has fixed the maximum base price of dry fodder and silage to be purchased for livestock. Environment and Animal Husbandry Minister Pankaja Munde said on Friday that the maximum base price has been set at Rs 12 per kg for dry fodder and Rs 8 per kg for silage. The prices exclude transport costs.

According to Munde, the aim of the decision is to make adequate, good-quality and safe fodder available for livestock. It is also meant to give relief to farmers and livestock keepers in days of scarcity.

After a review of the kharif season, drought has so far been declared in 304 talukas of the state. Against this background, the Cabinet sub-committee headed by the Revenue Minister had set up a study group to examine measures to deal with a possible fodder shortage.

Munde was a member of the study group. The group examined fodder management measures adopted in Maharashtra and other states. It assessed the availability of fodder, its likely production and the state's requirement in the coming months, and then submitted its report. The report was approved at the Cabinet sub-committee meeting held on Tuesday.

The new base prices will remain in force for as long as the Relief and Rehabilitation Department has declared drought. District-level drought management executive committees will monitor fodder procurement. They will work in line with the study group's recommendations and the department's directions. Transport charges will be paid at rates notified by the Transport Commissioner from time to time.

Along with fixing the prices, the government has laid down quality standards so that livestock get safe and nutritious fodder. Dry fodder must have moisture of no more than 15 per cent. It should be clean and good-looking, and free of sour or musty smell, mould, insects or soil. Jowar and bajra fodder will be preferred.

Silage must be airtight and free of mould. Its moisture must be between 62 and 70 per cent, its pH value between 3.5 and 4.4, and its crude protein at least 7 per cent. On the remaining parameters, the Bureau of Indian Standards' IS 19562:2026 will apply.

Pankaja Munde said livestock is an important source of livelihood for farmers and that ensuring fodder availability during drought is the government's priority. She said the decision is not limited to fixing the purchase price, and is also meant to ensure that livestock get good-quality and safe fodder. According to her, the government will stress proper planning and strict implementation at the district level to give relief to farmers and livestock keepers during the drought.