Telangana to supply free fodder to beneficiaries of sheep scheme

     Written by : SMTV24x7 | Sun, Apr 01, 2018, 04:48 PM

Telangana to supply free fodder to beneficiaries of sheep scheme

Hyderabad, Apr 01: The Telangana State government has prepared a new plan and decided to distribute four bags of fodder to beneficiaries of each sheep unit free of cost in the State in order to avoid the Summer heat.

The new initiative of fodder distribution will cause an additional burden of about Rs 66 crore on the State exchequer. Further, the government will set up about 17,000 water tubs and also provide sheds at 90 percent subsidy rate across the State.

Sheep population in the State is estimated to be nearly 1.29 crore including 53 lakh sheep distributed by the State government. Approximately 87.3 lakh tonnes of fodder is required to feed the sheep during the summer season. Observing that there is a scarcity of fodder to an extent of about 4.52 lakh tonnes, the government has launched the fodder distribution programme.

"We are taking all measures for welfare of our shepherds by ensuring all support mechanism, including fodder, drinking water and healthcare facilities for sheep during the season," Animal Husbandry Minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav told media persons.

The State exported around 420 tonnes of sheep meat abroad during the current fiscal and hence, taking all measures to help shepherds by making sure that they do not suffer any losses during summer.

To ensure availability of drinking water for animals, the State government accorded permissions for construction of about 17,000 water tubs. Of these, about 3,000 tubs are readily available to be supplied to the beneficiaries.

The Rural Development Department will fund the construction of water tubs for benefit of livestock. The Animal Husbandry Department officials will facilitate identification of locations as well as construction work.

Around 40,000 sheds, each costing Rs 1 lakh, will be provided at 90 percent subsidy to provide shade for sheep from the scorching sun.

The government already supplied stylo grass seed to shepherds and farmers at 75 per cent subsidy for fodder cultivation.