Maharashtra announces fodder policy amid drought concerns

Maharashtra’s cabinet has approved a Fodder Development Policy aimed at improving livestock feed availability and supporting the state’s dairy sector amid drought conditions. The policy will establish district-level plans for cultivating grasses, fodder trees and improved fodder crops. Officials will also identify traditional and non-traditional sources of fodder and develop schemes around them.

The decision follows the state government’s declaration of drought in 265 of Maharashtra’s 358 talukas during the 2026 kharif season. The government said the policy was intended to address shortages during periods of scarcity. Measures under consideration include expanding fodder cultivation, developing pastures and using unused land.

The plan also proposes horti-pasture systems, in which fodder is grown between fruit trees in orchards, and silvi-pasture systems combining perennial grasses with fodder-producing trees such as subabu. A state-level task force has been established to assess livestock numbers and fodder availability. It will recommend ways to reduce the gap between demand and supply.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said a separate government resolution would cover water use, livestock measures and drinking water. He also called for physical inspections in areas where crop losses may not have met standard drought thresholds because of unusual weather patterns. Fadnavis said some areas had experienced rain during the first two months of the season followed by a dry spell.

He said ground-level verification could allow affected farmers to be included in a second list, with rainfall averages also considered at the mandal level. The state has made ₹6,728 crore available for employment-generating drought works. Employment Guarantee Scheme Minister Bharat Gogawale said 375 types of projects, including water conservation and infrastructure work, would be undertaken, with 60% of funding from the Centre and 40% from the state.