Nanded launches 'Fodder Friends' scheme to combat livestock feed shortage amid Maharashtra drought

The state of Maharashtra continues to grapple with a severe drought that has dried up grazing lands and left many farmers struggling to provide adequate feed for their cattle, buffaloes and goats. In response, the Nanded municipal corporation unveiled the "Fodder Friends" initiative, a program aimed at creating a reliable supply chain for livestock fodder in the district. The scheme mobilises local resources, including community farms and government‑owned storage facilities, to produce and distribute hay, silage and other feed supplements to affected animal owners. Officials said the program will operate on a subscription basis, allowing farmers to receive regular deliveries at subsidised rates, thereby reducing the risk of livestock loss during the water‑scarcity period. The launch is part of a broader effort by state authorities to mitigate the agricultural fallout of the drought and safeguard rural livelihoods.