Fodder prices fixed at Cabinet Sub-Committee study group meeting; relief for livestock farmers
Revised base rates to apply during the declared drought period; maximum price fixed at Rs 12 per kg for dry fodder and Rs 8 per kg for silage
Mumbai, October 2026 : The state government has fixed procurement rates for fodder to help overcome the possibility of fodder shortages during drought conditions and provide relief to livestock farmers.
The maximum base procurement price for dry fodder has been fixed at Rs 12 per kg, excluding transportation costs, while the maximum base price for silage has been set at Rs 8 per kg, also excluding transportation costs. Environment and Animal Husbandry Minister Pankaja Munde announced this decision, stating that it would facilitate measures to ensure the availability of fodder for livestock during periods of shortage.
Following a review of the state's Kharif season situation, 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 the possibility of fodder shortages.
Pankaja Munde was a member of the study group, which examined fodder management measures adopted in Maharashtra and other states. Taking into account existing fodder availability, anticipated production and future requirements, the group submitted its report. The report was approved at the Cabinet Sub-Committee meeting held on October 27.
The revised rates will remain applicable during the drought period declared by the Relief and Rehabilitation Department. The district-level Drought Management Executive Committee will undertake fodder procurement in accordance with the provisions of the study group's report and the directions issued by the Relief and Rehabilitation Department. Transportation charges will be applicable as per the rates notified periodically by the Transport Commissioner.
The government has also prescribed quality standards to ensure that the fodder procured is safe and nutritious.
The moisture content in dry fodder must not exceed 15 per cent. It should be visually sound and free from sour or musty odour, fungus, insects and soil. Preference will be given to sorghum (jowar) and pearl millet (bajra) fodder.
Silage must be airtight and free from fungal contamination. 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 seven per cent. Standards prescribed under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) IS 19562:2026 will apply to other parameters.
Quality and Safe Fodder for Livestock
Drought conditions create challenges for farmers not only in terms of agriculture but also in ensuring adequate fodder for their livestock. Since livestock is an important source of livelihood for farmers, ensuring its availability during drought periods remains a priority for the government.
With this objective, the government has decided to fix base procurement prices for dry fodder and silage. The decision is not limited to determining fodder prices; quality standards have also been prescribed to ensure that livestock receives nutritious and safe feed.
Animal Husbandry Minister Pankaja Munde said the government aims to provide relief to farmers and livestock owners during drought conditions through proper district-level planning and strict implementation of the prescribed measures.
