Fast-growing and rich in protien and nutrients, the aquatic fern is being touted as the answer to acute fodder shortage
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. Stock of fodder in at least 22 taluks is sufficient for less than 20 weeks, raising concerns over livestock nutrition if drought persists. Each unit is estimated to cost Rs 3,150 and requires a space of about 10ft x 4ft x 1ft.
“The idea is to help small and marginal livestock farmers produce a nutritious supplementary feed without depending on conventional fodder supplies,” an official said. The animal husbandry and veterinary services department initiative comes amid dwindling fodder reserves and strained supplies from neighbouring states. 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. The setup includes UV-stabilised HDPE sheets, shade nets, supporting frames, soil, cow dung, super phosphate, starter culture and labour. “Farmers need not invest anything as the govt will foot input costs. Interested farmers will be trained in Azolla farming, harvesting and processing.”
“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.
shortages in individual taluks are worrying Although the animal husbandry department estimates that the state has enough fodder stock for an average of 30 to 40 weeks. Azolla cultivation mission Rich in protein, amino acids, minerals and essential nutrients Can be cultivated in small places near households or cattle sheds Cost of units You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Bengaluru | Silver Rate in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru | Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Petrol Price in Bengaluru | Diesel Price in Bengaluru | CNG Price in Bengaluru | LPG Price in Bengaluru Stay updated with the latest Bengaluru news.
“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. “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. “Even when lakes are full, swathes of their beds remain exposed,” Khandre said.
The units will be rolled out through gram panchayats, with priority given to livestock farmers who have adequate space and access to clean water. Officials say the current situation is more challenging than previous droughts, when Karnataka could rely on maize stalk and paddy straw from neighbouring states. “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. Download the TOI App.