Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: With fodder scarcity looming, district administrations in Marathwada have begun cracking down on the industrial use of crop residue, reserving soyabean and tur stalks for livestock and targeting factories accused of diverting valuable fodder for fuel production.
At the same time, the Hingoli district administration has shut down 11 biocoal factories in Malwata MIDC after finding them using soyabean straw and other crop residue as industrial fuel. In Hingoli, all 11 biocoal units have been ordered to remain closed until further instructions. Further action will be taken if factories are found violating the closure orders or if fresh cases of residue diversion are reported,” Gupta said. Stay updated with the latest Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar news.
Parbhani district collector and District Disaster Management Authority chairman Sanjay Singh Chavan said the restrictions in the district were necessary to conserve dry fodder and prevent hoarding and profiteering. The residue, which is the only available dry fodder for cattle, goats and other livestock animals in many villages after kharif crop failure, was being purchased in bulk and transported to MIDC for industrial burning,” Hingoli district collector Rahul Gupta said. Officials said deficient rainfall has severely affected soyabean cultivation across Hingoli, Parbhani and neighbouring districts.
In a major move, the Parbhani district administration has banned the purchase, transportation and industrial use of soyabean and tur crop residue for manufacturing biomass briquettes and pellets, commonly known as gattu. The decisions aim to ensure adequate fodder for cattle in the coming months as farmers grapple with poor rainfall and crop losses. “The factories were found using soyabean and other crop residues, primarily soybean bhusa and kadba, for manufacturing bio coal briquettes. He added, “In view of ensuring fodder availability for livestock and as per govt orders on proper use of crop residues, the use of crop residue for industrial purposes is prohibited during drought period. crop residue has become a crucial source of fodder for livestock, making its diversion to industries a sensitive issue While grain yields have fallen. “Monitoring will continue. Download the TOI App.
A joint inspection team found 11 biocoal units using soyabean straw and other farm waste to manufacture fuel briquettes. Under the order, soyabean residue and fodder expected from the upcoming tur harvest have been reserved exclusively for animal consumption. Farmers have been prohibited from selling crop residue to anyone other than livestock owners, farmers, recognised gaushalas and cow protection organisations. Industrial units manufacturing biomass briquettes and pellets have been barred from purchasing, transporting or processing soyabean and tur residue. The administration has also warned against stockpiling fodder to create artificial shortages. In Hingoli, authorities acted following complaints that trucks were lifting soyabean residue from fields even as farmers struggled to feed their cattle. Parbhani has ordered strict monitoring. Joint flying squads will conduct surprise inspections at gattu manufacturing units, while vehicles transporting crop residue will be checked for unauthorised movement. Transport of fodder to gaushalas and drought-hit areas will require prior permission from revenue authorities and certification that the material is meant solely for animal consumption. Authorities have warned that illegally stored residue and vehicles transporting it in violation of the order will be seized. Action will be taken under the Disaster Management Act, Essential Commodities Act and relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.