Bengaluru: With drought threatening to shrink fodder availability and push up cattle-rearing costs, govt has launched a Rs 3.8-crore mission to establish 12,000 azolla production units across all 240 taluks in the state.The animal husbandry and veterinary services department initiative comes amid dwindling fodder reserves and strained supplies from neighbouring states. Stock of fodder in at least 22 taluks is sufficient for less than 20 weeks, raising concerns over livestock nutrition if drought persists.Azolla, a fast-growing aquatic fern rich in protein, minerals and other nutrients, is being promoted as a low-cost supplementary feed, especially for milk-yielding cattle. The crop can be cultivated in compact units near cattle sheds or homes with access to clean water.Each unit is estimated to cost Rs 3,150 and requires a space of about 10ft x 4ft x 1ft. The setup includes UV-stabilised HDPE sheets, shade nets, supporting frames, soil, cow dung, super phosphate, starter culture and labour.“The idea is to help small and marginal livestock farmers produce a nutritious supplementary feed without depending on conventional fodder supplies,” an official said. “Farmers need not invest anything as the govt will foot input costs. Interested farmers will be trained in Azolla farming, harvesting and processing.”The units will be rolled out through gram panchayats, with priority given to livestock farmers who have adequate space and access to clean water. “Each unit will be geo-tagged, with beneficiary details and photographs recorded to ensure proper implementation under the VB-G RAM G framework and Gram Panchayat Development Plan for greater accountability,” the official said.Officials say the current situation is more challenging than previous droughts, when Karnataka could rely on maize stalk and paddy straw from neighbouring states.“We used to import these from Tamil Nadu and Telangana but with much of peninsular India reeling under drought, traditional supply lines offer little reassurance,” G Parameshwara, deputy CM and revenue minister, told the assembly during the special session on drought.Although the animal husbandry department estimates that the state has enough fodder stock for an average of 30 to 40 weeks, shortages in individual taluks are worrying.“The govt has also released Rs 25 crore to buy and distribute fodder seed kits to encourage farmers to grow their own feed if they have irrigation facilities,” Parameshwara said. “Besides, Karnataka Milk Federation is also supporting fodder seed distribution and promoting fodder cultivation among dairy farmers.” Gram panchayats have also been directed to undertake fodder cultivation works under VB-G RAM G scheme.Govt is also exploring the use of fertile lake beds for fodder cultivation. Rural development and panchayat raj minister Eshwar Khandre has directed zilla panchayat CEOs to identify suitable lake beds for the purpose.“Even when lakes are full, swathes of their beds remain exposed,” Khandre said. “This land is fertile and retains soil moisture, making them ideal for fodder cultivation. The jurisdictional gram panchayats will oversee cultivation under the VB-G RAM G scheme. We will launch a pilot project in a few days in Bidar.”Azolla cultivation missionRich in protein, amino acids, minerals and essential nutrientsCan be cultivated in small places near households or cattle shedsCost of units
