KURNOOL: VB-G RAM G (Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin) scheme is offering daily wages to dairy farmers in Rayalaseema for cultivating fodder on their own land to meet the demand for fodder, which is in shortage owing to the El Nino effect.
Moreover, the Animal Husbandry department will provide the dairy farmers fodder slips (live roots and stem cuts) free of cost to cultivate the fodder.
As per the VB-G RAM G scheme, dairy farmers will receive wages for the number of days they work for cultivating the fodder. Preference will be given to small and marginal farmers. Those possessing an employment guarantee job card, a borewell, and a minimum of 25 cents of land can apply.
Authorities have earmarked 86 workdays for cultivating fodder over one acre during the first year. During the second year, workdays allotted are 84. A total of ₹69,781 will be paid to the farmer under the scheme.
Kurnool district Animal Husbandry joint director Dr. K. Rajashekar said many farmers have shown interest in the scheme. “Several farmers in Kurnool district have already submitted their applications. We will provide them fodder slips free of cost. Farmers will have to show us the land and the water facility required,” he said.
The joint director said fodder, once grown, will provide yield for nearly four years. “If the fodder plantation is maintained properly, it can be used for several years. The scheme will provide a regular source of fodder for dairy animals and help improve milk production,” he pointed out.
Farmers possessing job cards can submit applications to the local veterinary doctor. Their applications will go to the scheme’s assistant programme officer, followed by the project director, District Water Management Agency and collector for approval.
Officials said the scheme could be extended to all eligible farmers who submit applications.
Rayalaseema has nearly 45 lakh dairy animals, including cows and buffaloes. Officials expect the scheme to help reduce the fodder shortage, particularly in areas where crops have failed.
V. Mastanappa of G. Singavaram village in Kurnool district said he is cultivating fodder on 50 cents of land. “I am growing this fodder for my four dairy buffaloes. The VB-G RAM G scheme will be very useful for small and marginal farmers like me. We can grow fodder on our own land and get wage support as well,” he said.
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Money available for fodder cultivation on one acre:
Category – Amount (In ₹)
Cost of fodder slips – 16,741
Wage amount in first year – 26,832
Wage amount in second year – 26,208
Total amount for two years – 69,781
Total workdays available – 170
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