CM asks for reconsideration of decision to close fodder camps

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today directed the cabinet sub-committee headed by Revenue minister Eknath Khadse to reconsider its decision to close the cattle fodder camps in drought-affected Beed, Osmanabad and Latur districts.
Khadse however clarified that the camps were temporarily closed and could be reopened on demand.
A senior Maharashtra BJP leader said on the condition of anonymity that these camps are often run by local strongmen eyeing the government subsidy.
"Exorbitant input costs deter farmers from setting up camps of their own. As per the government norms a minimum of 150 cattle have to be present at the camp. But the farmers take the cattle home in the evening as they are unwilling to stay back," the BJP leader said, listing difficulties in running the fodder camps.

The local strongmen who run the camps are often in tacit understanding with the sarpanch who manipulates the subsidy and records, pocketing a part of subsidy, he said, adding that even cattle manure is sold off.
"Also, cattle fodder camps are often located far from the village. Only the camps run by communities like Jains and voluntary organisations operate smoothly," he said.
In a statement here, Fadnavis said, "I have apprised him (Khadse) of the feelings of the legislators and ministers. At present cattle fodder is available in abundance. However, the feelings of the locals favour the camps being kept open."

Khadse said that the camps were closed only temporarily. "Cattle fodder is available. If there is demand to reopen fodder camps we will reopen them," he said, adding that many farmers were taking their animals back from the camps.