Maharashtra Government unveils Fodder Development Policy to tackle shortage
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A farmer collects fodder for domestic animals. File | Photo Credit: ANI
In a bid to uplift the dairy sector and tackle fodder shortage, the Maharashtra cabinet on Tuesday (September 29, 2026) announced the Fodder Development Policy, with a district-wise plan for cultivation of grasses, fodder trees and improved fodder crops.
Under the policy, the list of grasses suitable for cultivation, fodder-producing trees, improved fodder crops, and traditional and non-traditional sources of fodder will be made and develop the schemes. The decision also comes amid the drought situation in Maharashtra, where government has imposed Trigger 1 in 265 talukas during the 2026 kharif season. Government aims to address fodder availability during periods of scarcity across the state.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated to release a separate government resolution concerning water usage, measures for livestock, and drinking water.
The government has constituted a State-level task force to assess the livestock population and fodder availability in the state and suggest measures to bridge the gap between demand and supply.
The policy aims to consider measures, including increase in area under fodder cultivation, pasture development, induce horti-pasture system, where fodder will be cultivated in the open spaces between fruit trees in orchards, silvi-pasture system- perennial grasses will be cultivated along with fodder-producing trees such as subabu, fodder cultivation on unused land.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis pointed out that on-ground physical inspections will be conducted in the regions where crops loss is there but failed to meet standard triggers due to unusual weather patterns.
Mr. Fadnavis said, “There is a need of ground truthing as situation has been weird as first two months witnessed rains and next two months had a dry spell. No injustice should happen to farmers, so after ground truthing in talukas where average rainfall has been more yet the farmers suffered crop loss will be considered in second list.”
The subcommittee has been instructed to understand the situation in respective region and also asked to consider rainfall average at mandal-levels. Ground truthing is the process of gathering real-world empirical data to verify and test information collected through remote sources.
On Saturday (September 26), Mr. Fadnavis issued a Govermnet Resolution (GR) announcing drought in 265 talukas of the total 358 talukas across the state.
Maharashtra Employment Guarantee Scheme Minister Bharat Gogawale said 375 types of works, including individual projects, water conservation and infrastructure development, will be undertaken under the scheme to address drought conditions.
The department has made ₹6,728 crores of funds available to generate employment. Mr. Gogawale said, “The focus will be to create permanent assets in villages through these works.”
The allocations include ₹1,145 crores for the Amravati division, ₹489 crores for the Konkan division, ₹1,944 crores for the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar division, ₹119 crores for the Nagpur division and ₹801 crores for the Pune division. The Centre will contribute 60% of the funds, while the state will contribute 40%.
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