Farmers during the fodder literacy drive organised by the Bhadgaon animal husbandry department in Jalgaon
The Nashik division has received only 65% of its normal rainfall so far, raising concerns over crop yields and the availability of livestock feed. Nandurbar has been the worst affected, recording a 50% rainfall deficit.
“To address the situation, officials have started awareness sessions among farmers on fodder conservation, promoting hydroponics for high-yield fodder with minimal water use, and systematic utilisation of crop residues to ensure cattle do not face a fodder shortage,” Pradip Zod, regional head of the animal husbandry department (Nashik), said. Nashik: The animal husbandry department across the Nashik region — covering Nashik, Ahilyanagar, Nandurbar, Dhule and Jalgaon districts — has initiated early measures to prevent a possible fodder shortage following deficient rainfall this season. Farmers are being urged to adopt hydroponics to grow fodder using significantly less water.
Across the Nashik region, the total livestock population stands at 74.61 lakh, requiring 8.2 lakh tonnes of fodder monthly, according to data from the animal husbandry department as of Oct 13. The total regional requirement up to July 2027 is 82.2 lakh tonnes against an available stock of 28.8 lakh tonnes, which will last about 105 days.