Take steps to prevent fodder shortage: Talasani

Karimnagar: Take necessary steps to prevent fodder shortage keeping in view of the coming summer, advised Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav. He held a video conference with the Collectors of all districts from Hyderabad on Wednesday and reviewed about the progress of works under Sheep Rearing Scheme and Rearing of Fish Seeds.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister informed that the State government, which introduced Sheep Rearing Scheme for uplifting shepherd community, had distributed about 2.84 lakh sheep units by investing Rs 2,600 crore, across the State till date.

He directed the Collectors to take perfect measures to grow fodder in sufficient quantities for sheep that was distributed and also to prevent fodder scarcity in summer. The farmers, who have land, must be encouraged for growing fodder, by explaining them that the government will give 75 per cent subsidy. With the help of Irrigation and Horticulture departments, water scarcity will be dealt with in the coming summer.

Srinivas Yadav ordered the officials concerned to speed up construction works of sheds to provide shelter for sheep units and water ponds to provide water to domestic animals that were taken up under National Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) along with supervising the functioning of Mobile Veterinary Ambulances, he added. 

The officials were told to identify good location for establishing fish markets and processing units along with preparing proposals for opening fish outlets. Karimnagar Collector Sarfaraz Ahmed, Peddapalli Collector Devasena, Karimnagar Joint-Collector Badri Srinivas, fisheries department Joint Director and officials from Animal Husbandry department were present along with others.