Maharashtra government to spend Rs 869 crore on fodder camps

CM Devendra Fadnavis has directed the district collectors to take decisions based on ground situation and spell out guidelines clearly to individuals and organisations coming forward to start the fodder camps.

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To begin with, fodder camps would be set up in Osmanabad, Beed and Latur, among worst hit by drought in Marathwada.

The government will extend the fodder camps to Parbhani, Hingoli, Aurangabad and Nanded.

According to Osmanabad district collector Prashant Narnawre, ‘’We received information to prepare for the fodder camps. The government has asked for proposals. It would be thoroughly scrutinised along with detailed guidelines where maintaining transparency would be mandatory.’’

In Osmanabad which received the lowest rainfall, estimate for fodder camp is Rs 35 to 40 crore a month. The calculations are based on Rs 70 per day per animal. He revealed, ‘’In three districts alone, the expenditure for fodder camps for a month works out to Rs 120 crore. The duration of fodder camps would be determined as per requirement.’’

In the wake of poor rains, expenditure on acquiring fodder from neighbouring districts and other states like MP, Karnataka and Gujarat would increase the drought budget.

Revenue and Agriculture Minister Eknath Khadse said, ‘’Charges against the government for delaying fodder camps are baseless. The governments in the past have always set up fodder camps after monsoon.’’

Khadse said, ‘’The IMD’s prediction of extended monsoons revived the government’s hopes for continuing cloud seedingtill October end. We are not giving up as yet. We have set aside Rs 27 crore for cloud seeding.’’

It is believed even 5mm rains in drought districts would revive green patches to serve as animal fodder.

Former CM Prithviraj Chavan said, ‘’I think the government is exercising too much caution fearing corruption. During my tenure, fodder camps lasted almost four to five months. I agree 3 to 5 per cent swindling cannot be ruled out. But they can bring transparency and address problems of drinking water and fodder in Marathwada.’’

During the Congress-NCP regime, there were charges of graft as government had spent Rs 4,000 crore on fodder camps across Marathwada.