Ballari deputy commissioner K Nagendra Prasad inspects crop damage during a visit to drought-hit areas of the district on Saturday
The animal husbandry and veterinary services department has received 8,805 fodder seed mini-packets and distributed 3,334 to 1,476 farmers. Stay updated with the latest Hubballi news. Ballari : With a severe rainfall deficit threatening fodder availability, the Ballari district administration has stepped up measures to prevent shortages of cattle feed and drinking water in rural areas. Deputy commissioner K Nagendra Prasad urged farmers not to panic, saying the administration was closely monitoring the situation and prioritising livestock health. He cautioned farmers against distress-selling cattle to slaughterhouses or middlemen based on rumours of shortages. The free kits are aimed at encouraging farmers with irrigation facilities to grow green fodder during the dry spell. The administration is also ensuring that drinking water troughs in villages are regularly replenished, with tanker supplies arranged wherever necessary. The animal husbandry department has been directed to open fodder banks based on local requirements, particularly in severely drought-hit taluks and hoblis. Vaccination drives are under way to prevent infectious diseases, while mobile veterinary clinics have been kept ready for emergencies. Nagendra Prasad, who also chairs the district disaster management authority, urged farmers to cooperate with officials. Farmers facing problems related to fodder, drinking water or veterinary care can approach their gram panchayat PDO, taluk tahsildar’s office or local animal husbandry officials. Download the TOI App.