Maharashtra govt to set up fodder camps for sheep, goats

In view of severe drought in parts of Maharashtra, the state government Tuesday decided to set up separate fodder camps for sheep and goats in addition to other cattle heads in the affected areas.

The decision was taken at a meeting of a Cabinet sub- committee chaired by Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Chandrakant Patil.

At the meeting, it was also decided to provide drinking water to cattle camps through tankers.

Talking to reporters, Patil said directives have been issued to local administration not to delay reimbursement of bills of fodder camps.

At present, 4,920 villages and 10,506 hamlets are being supplied drinking water from 6,209 tankers. There are 1,501 cattle camps in the drought-affected areas housing 10.4 lakh big and small animals, he said.

Patil said for the first time separate fodder camps will be set up for sheep and goats.

So far, 34 lakh farmers have been given Rs 2,200 crore for crop losses, the minister said.

He also gave details of money provided to divisional commissioners of Aurangabad, Pune and Nashik for managing fodder camps.