Jaisalmer: The Jaisalmer district administration has approved 61 new fodder depots across the district as severe drought and scarcity conditions intensify this year. Depot operators have also been instructed to procure fodder from Hanumangarh and other districts to meet growing demand.The move is expected to provide significant relief to livestock owners in rural areas and remote hamlets, where inadequate rainfall has aggravated the fodder crisis. Under the relief arrangements, eligible livestock owners will be able to obtain fodder at subsidised rates in accordance with prescribed norms. The administration is also deploying water tankers in villages facing drinking water shortages and has sought directions from state govt regarding the accommodation of livestock in gaushalas.District Collector Anupama Jorwal said administrative approval had been issued for 61 new fodder depots and further approvals would be granted as demand arose.“Approvals are being issued as and when requests for fodder depots are received. More approvals will be granted in the future, if required,” she said.The administration’s priority is to ensure that no livestock owner in a scarcity-affected area suffers due to a shortage of fodder. Depot operators have been directed to arrange supplies from Hanumangarh and other districts. Tankas and other necessary facilities have also been made available to support the relief measures.Jorwal said the special subsidy on fodder would be available exclusively to small and marginal farmers. Fodder would be distributed to each livestock owner in a verified proportion based on the number of animals owned.To ensure adequate supplies, fodder will be procured from districts not officially classified as scarcity-affected or from neighbouring states. Its distribution will be conducted strictly on a no-profit, no-loss basis, the administration said.To maintain transparency in pricing, a local committee comprising the patwari, sarpanch and revenue inspector has been constituted. The committee will determine the final selling price by taking into account the purchase cost of fodder, transportation expenses and a handling charge of Rs 10 per quintal.The administration has also made provision for transportation subsidies for fodder brought from distances exceeding 50 km. Officials concerned have been directed to ensure strict compliance with the prescribed rules so that relief reaches eligible beneficiaries transparently and without irregularities.The district collector further said water tankers were being sent to villages according to their requirements. The administration has also sought state govt directions on arrangements for keeping livestock in gaushalas as the drought situation continues to pose challenges for animal owners.With rainfall remaining significantly below normal, the administration’s measures aim to ensure the availability of fodder and water and prevent livestock owners from facing further hardship during the scarcity period.
