Nagpur Collector orders early fodder sowing and village-wise drinking water plans

Nagpur district currently has fodder for livestock to last about 260 to 270 days. A shortage could still arise later, so Collector Kumar Ashirwad has said sowing of fodder and permanent arrangements should begin now to meet requirements until February.

He gave the instructions at a review meeting on the fodder shortage held at the Collector's office. Resident Deputy Collector Anup Khande, District Superintending Agriculture Officer Dr Archana Kad and Nitin Phuke, District Deputy Commissioner of the Animal Husbandry department, were present.

On where land for sowing will come from, the Collector said the water resources and irrigation department should collect village-wise details of the silt-sowing land that will be available by the end of December. Village-wise details of the submergence areas of ponds should also be compiled. Tehsildars were told to list government wasteland and other vacant areas suitable for growing fodder.

According to the Collector, taluka agriculture officers and animal husbandry officers should prepare a list of farmers and livestock keepers who want to grow fodder on this land. A list of villages where a fodder shortage is feared should also be drawn up.

Seed was also discussed. The individual-benefit fodder seed scheme will continue, but if groups of farmers or women's self-help groups ask for additional seed, funds will be provided through the District Planning Committee (DPC). Officials were asked to ensure that seed reaches farmers on time under the prescribed procedure. They were also told to list the godowns and sites available to store dry and wet fodder.

The agriculture and animal husbandry departments were asked to give people wide information about fodder sowing and government schemes. The Collector said a meeting would be held with representatives of 173 organisations in the district to discuss fodder availability and arrangements. By Friday evening, all taluka-level officers will meet together and prepare the required data and plan.

The issue of drinking water was also raised along with fodder. Kumar Ashirwad said that to deal with a possible water crisis, a separate drinking water scarcity plan should be prepared for every village. Repair of bank dams and borewells should be given first priority.

He told officials to visit gram panchayats themselves and talk to sarpanches, deputy sarpanches and villagers. The Collector appealed to all departments concerned to coordinate with one another and take the necessary steps on time.