Published Nov 12, 2026 | 4:34 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 12, 2026 | 4:34 PM
Minister Satyakumar Yadav said livestock farmers need not panic over the shortage.
Synopsis: Anantapur and Sri Sathya Sai districts in Andhra Pradesh are facing a combined cattle fodder deficit of 11.04 lakh metric tonnes, which the State has attributed to El Niño-induced droughts. The State government has ordered the immediate supply of 250 metric tonnes of fodder worth ₹1 crore, with priority for areas facing severe shortages.
Anantapur and Sri Sathya Sai districts in Andhra Pradesh, which frequently experience rainfall deficits, are facing an acute shortage of cattle fodder, with a combined deficit of approximately 11.04 lakh metric tonnes. The State has attributed the shortage to El Niño-induced droughts in the region.
The State government has ordered the immediate supply of 250 metric tonnes of fodder worth ₹1 crore to support livestock farmers.
Animal Husbandry Department Director Amarendra said the fodder would be supplied immediately, with priority given to areas facing severe shortages. The government is also preparing a plan to distribute dry fodder, green fodder and cattle feed according to local requirements.
The shortage was brought to the attention of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu by Health Minister Satyakumar Yadav during the State Cabinet meeting on 9 November. Naidu directed officials to assess fodder availability, identify shortage-hit areas and arrange supplies without delay.
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Officials identified fodder shortages across all 363 revenue village secretariats in Sri Sathya Sai district. The district has 3,56,900 cattle, including cows and buffaloes, and 32,49,250 sheep and goats. Against an estimated requirement of 4,58,946 metric tonnes for 90 days, only 2,39,891 metric tonnes of fodder is currently available, leaving a deficit of 2,19,055 metric tonnes.
In Anantapur district, fodder shortages were identified in 293 of the 362 revenue village secretariats.
The district has 3,50,425 cows and buffaloes, along with 8,84,756 sheep and goats. Its available fodder stock stands at 3,87,533 metric tonnes against an estimated 90-day requirement of 12,72,426 metric tonnes, leaving a deficit of 8,84,893 metric tonnes.
Minister Satyakumar Yadav said livestock farmers need not panic over the shortage, adding that the government was taking preventive measures to protect livestock and safeguard farmers’ livelihoods.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
