The Uttar Pradesh government has stepped up efforts to ensure a steady supply of green fodder for cattle by launching a large-scale green fodder campaign on grazing land across the state. The initiative also focuses on improving grazing areas, drinking water, veterinary care, and disease prevention for cattle.
Over 39,000 Hectares Freed for Fodder
The state has cleared 39,721 hectares of grazing land from encroachment as part of the campaign. Uttar Pradesh has 61,118.85 hectares of grazing land spread across 58,115 gram panchayats.
To strengthen fodder availability, the government has linked 5,050 out of 6,287 temporary and permanent cow shelters with 10,421.45 hectares of grazing land. This will help provide a regular supply of green fodder for cattle housed in these shelters.
Additional Chief Secretary of the Animal Husbandry Department, Mukesh Meshram, said Hardoi has emerged as the top district in the campaign. The district has grown green fodder on 462.76 hectares of grazing land. Fatehpur, Raebareli, Sambhal, Agra, Aligarh, Bahraich, Barabanki, Firozabad, and Hamirpur also rank among the leading districts.
Special Focus on Bundelkhand and Animal Health
The government has identified districts facing fodder shortages, especially in the Bundelkhand region. It has prepared a special plan to supply fodder and dry straw from districts with surplus production. If needed, the government will also arrange grass and other fodder from notified forest areas.
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Officials have issued an advisory to protect cattle from nitrate and nitrite poisoning caused by imbalanced feed. In water-scarce areas, authorities will fill ponds through canals or tube wells and provide water tankers wherever necessary.
The government has also kept all 520 Mobile Veterinary Units fully operational. Farmers and cattle owners can access emergency veterinary services round the clock through the 1962 toll-free helpline, ensuring quick medical care for animals across the state.
