30 October,2026 08:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Minister Pankaja Munde said that livestock is an important source of livelihood for farmers and ensuring fodder availability during drought is a priority for the government. FILE PIC
In a move to address potential fodder shortages amid drought conditions, the Maharashtra government has fixed the maximum base prices for dry fodder and silage procured for livestock. The maximum base price for dry fodder has been set at Rs 12 per kg and that for silage at Rs 8 per kg, excluding transportation costs, Environment and Animal Husbandry Minister Pankaja Munde said on Friday.
The decision aims to ensure the availability of adequate, good-quality and safe fodder for livestock and provide relief to farmers and cattle owners during periods of scarcity.
Following a review of the kharif season situation across the state, drought has so far been declared in 304 talukas.
Against this backdrop, a study group was constituted by the Cabinet Sub-Committee, headed by the Revenue Minister, to examine measures to tackle a possible fodder shortage.
Munde was a member of the study group, which examined fodder management measures adopted in Maharashtra and other states. It assessed fodder availability, its potential production and the state's requirements in the coming months before submitting its report. The report was approved at a meeting of the Cabinet Sub-Committee held on Tuesday.
The revised base prices will remain applicable for the period of drought declared by the Relief and Rehabilitation Department. The district-level drought management executive committees will oversee fodder procurement in accordance with the study group's recommendations and the department's directions. Transportation charges will be payable at the rates notified from time to time by the Transport Commissioner.
Along with fixing procurement prices, the government has laid down quality standards to ensure that livestock receives safe and nutritious fodder.
Dry fodder must have a maximum moisture content of 15 per cent. It should be clean and of good appearance, without any sour or musty smell, fungus, insects or soil contamination. Fodder from jowar and bajra will be given preference.
Silage must be airtight and free from fungus. Its moisture content should be between 62 and 70 per cent, with a pH value ranging from 3.5 to 4.4 and a minimum crude protein content of 7 per cent. The standards specified under the Bureau of Indian Standards' IS 19562:2026 will apply to other parameters.
Munde said that livestock is an important source of livelihood for farmers and ensuring fodder availability during drought is a priority for the government.
She said the decision was not limited to fixing procurement prices but also aimed to ensure that livestock receives good-quality and safe fodder. The government would focus on proper planning and strict implementation at the district level to provide relief to farmers and livestock owners during drought conditions.
