Subsidy to boost green fodder cultivation

Udhagamandalam: In a fillip for the dairy sector in the Nilgiris, the district administration has asked dairy farmers to cultivate green fodder by availing subsidised fodder seeds from the government under the state fodder development scheme 2020-21.
Preferences would be given to tribal farmers and women in dairy business, an official said.
Dr Neelakannan, deputy director, animal husbandry department, said green fodder plays a major role in the feed of milch animals. “Hence, fodder seeds such as African Sal maize, grass crops, and cereal crops, among others, will be supplied to eligible farmers and owners of milch animals with 100% subsidy,” he said.
The eligibility criterion is that farmers should have at least 25 cents of land to apply for the subsidy of fodder seeds. The district is planning to encourage up to 35 acres of land for fodder cultivation.
About 30% of the fodder development scheme is allotted for SC/ST categories, and in the remaining 70%, priority will be given to women cultivators, small farmers and milk suppliers to Aavin.
In the 30% quota, scheduled caste farmers will be allotted 29% while scheduled tribe farmers will get the remaining 1%.
Farmers can approach the assistant veterinarian, animal husbandry department, in their locality for application and further details.