AP state yet to start fodder centres

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Anantapur: The AP state government has refused to set up fodder centres, in the district, even after the Anantapur joint collector, who is also the purchase committee chairman, has finalised tenders, three weeks ago.
 
The sudden decision had an adverse impact on the farmers who waited for the fodder. Sources said, the animal husbandry department had proposed setting up of fodder centres at five places Penukonda, Madakasira, Kadiri, Uravakonda and Kalyanadurg areas.
 
Revenue minister N. Raghuveera Reddy had also announced several times  earlier that the proposed launching of fodder centres, to supply fodder for the animals, following severe drought conditions in part of the state. 
 
The district officials had invited tenders and also finalised the contractors, who came forward to supply at lesser prices from coastal areas. The animal husbandry department had also sent a proposal for Rs 18 crore, including supply of medicine along with the fodder for the animals. 
 
However, the higher authorities cancelled the proposal of the fodder centres in the district. After the district authorities tried to ask the higher authorities to sanction funds, to rescue existing livestock, because of drought condition, the government reportedly refused the proposed programme. 
 
In addition, the animal husbandry authorities had not received Rs 5 crore spent for the fodder centres maintained last year. It may be noted that nearly 250 villages had no water, since three months, due to deep depletion of groundwater.
 
Though, rains occurred in few pockets, farmers say it would take time to get fodder in hills and other fields. Telugu Desam politburo member, K. Srinivasulu, lamented that this was cheating the farmers who were waiting to save their animals.