Farmers in drought-hit Madhugiri taluk have demanded fodder banks at every gram panchayat and fixed-price supply to address the shortage of cattle feed
Farmers in Tumakuru’s drought-hit Madhugiri taluk have demanded gram panchayat-level fodder banks, fixed fodder prices and higher dairy subsidies amid worsening water and feed shortages.
Tumakuru: Farmers in Madhugiri taluk of Tumakuru district have demanded the establishment of fodder banks at every gram panchayat amid a worsening fodder shortage following inadequate rainfall.
The protesters marched from the Dandimaramma Temple in Madhugiri town to the Sub-Divisional Officer’s office and submitted a memorandum to the Assistant Commissioner (AC).
Madhugiri Drought Situation Worsens As Fodder Shortage Grows
Tumul director Kondavadi Chandrashekar said monsoon rainfall had stopped, intensifying drought conditions across the taluk. He said borewells had dried up and farmers were struggling to procure fodder.
According to Chandrashekar, farmers have been unable to obtain a load of fodder even after paying around Rs.400.
He said Madhugiri taluk has around 40,000 cattle and that ensuring adequate fodder for livestock has become a serious concern.
Farmers demanded that the government establish a fodder bank at every gram panchayat, fix a standard price for a load of fodder and ensure regular supply to farmers.
Farmers Seek Higher Milk Price And Dairy Subsidy
The protesters also raised concerns over the rising cost of cattle feed. At the Tumul management meeting held on September 11, the price of milk was increased by Re.1. Following this, private feed vendors reportedly increased the price of a feed bag by Rs.100.
Chandrashekar demanded that the milk price be increased by at least Rs.10 in the interest of dairy farmers. He also sought an increase in the government subsidy from Rs.5 to Rs.10.
Farmers Seek Hemavathi Water For Madhugiri
The protesters also raised concerns over the slow progress of the Yettinahole project. They said pipeline work has been completed only in some locations.
In view of the prevailing drought situation, they demanded that at least 1 TMC of Hemavathi water be released through the constructed pipeline to help address the water shortage in Madhugiri taluk.
Former municipal councillor M.R. Jagannath and Raitha Sangha members Shankarappa and Srinivas were among those present during the protest.
