KALABURAGI: With this arid region facing severe shortage of fodder because of an acute drought, a special shelter for cattle, established by a Trust, could well be a godsend for farmers who were resorting to distress sale of their livestock.
The Nandi Vana Go-shaala has been built by Sharanamma Diggavi Memorial Trust at Harthihadagil village on the outskirts of the city at a time when the state government has failed to provide a shelter to cattle despite severe scarcity conditions.
It has been constructed on an 18 acre plot owned by Chief Trustee, Basavaraj Diggavi, who runs educational institutions in the city.
“During the last 12 days as many as 800 head of cattle have arrived, and an overwhelming number of farmers have already registered their names. We are hopeful of getting about 4,000 head of cattle by the end of January”, said Mr Diggavi.
He said he set up the shelter because he was moved by the plight of farmers. “Due to shortage of fodder and water, even healthy cattle are being taken to slaughter houses. If the situation is allowed to continue, it will lead to a severe agrarian crisis in future,” Mr Diggavi added.
Besides supplying 30 kg of fodder and water free for every cattle, Mr Diggavi has been providing food to one individual to care of them.
Arrangements have also been made for providing medical support for the cattle. Most of the cattle are from worst hit taluks of Aland, Afzalpur and Kalaburagi rural. Many farmers at the special shelter appreciated the initiative of Mr Diggavi.
“I had almost sold my pair of ox which I had bought for Rs 1.3 lakh for a paltry sum of Rs 40,000 to agents of a slaughter house.
But on coming to know of this place, I changed my mind and instead brought them here. I am happy that they are looked after well”, said Mr Hanmanthrai Honnalli, farmer of Nimbal village in Aland taluk.
Download the all new Deccan Chronicle app for Android and iOS to stay up-to-date with latest headlines and news stories in politics, entertainment, sports, technology, business and much more from India and around the world.
