Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Mar 15: The possibility of a fodder shortage for livestock in Dakshina Kannada (DK) and Udupi districts this summer is minimal. Currently, both districts have sufficient fodder stocks, ensuring that even in the absence of summer rainfall, there will be no scarcity.
According to the department of animal husbandry, Dakshina Kannada has 2,52,423 cattle and 32,508 sheep and goats, requiring a total of 10,715 tonnes of fodder per week. Udupi district has 2,57,184 cattle and 3,107 sheep and goats, requiring 10,812 tonnes of fodder per week. Officials state that Dakshina Kannada has a stock of 2,47,794 tonnes of fodder, sufficient for the next 23 weeks, while Udupi has 4,92,013 tonnes, which can last for 46 weeks.
Due to good monsoon and winter rains, water availability in lakes and wells is adequate, benefiting those cultivating fodder. Additionally, natural grass is available in open fields. There is minimal concern about barren fields this year. However, if summer temperatures rise and there is no rainfall by May, the situation may change, says Shivananada, a farmer from Konaje.
Under the National Livestock Mission, livestock farmers in both districts have received fodder seed kits. Additionally, the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) has also distributed mini kits. In Udupi district, the department has distributed 618 mini kits, while KMF has distributed 3,000 kits.
Last year, due to deficient monsoon rainfall, Karkala and Hebri taluks in Udupi district were declared severely drought-affected, while Moodbidri, Mangaluru, and Brahmavar taluks were classified as moderately drought-affected by the state government. However, with above-average monsoon and winter rains this time, officials confirm that there is no proposal to declare any region drought-affected this year.
“Dakshina Kannada district has sufficient fodder reserves for an estimated 23 weeks. A substantial quantity of fodder seeds was distributed last year, benefiting farmers who cultivated grass and are reaping the benefits this season. Udupi has an estimated 45-week fodder stock. Mini kits were distributed to farmers in December and January, and the grown fodder is now ready for harvesting, reducing the likelihood of fodder shortages during the summer,” said Dr Arun Kumar Shetty & Dr Reddyappa M C, deputy directors, department of animal husbandry and veterinary services.