Drought-hit States such as Karnataka, Gujarat and Maharashtra are facing acute shortage of fodder and have petitioned the Centre to urgently address the issue as it could affect dairy industry.
The Chief Ministers of Karnataka, Maharashtra and Gujarat – the worst drought-affected States – have also asked the Centre to bear at least 75 per cent cost of the agriculture loan they are waiving in the States to rescue farmers from severe crisis.
The State governments made these demands before a Central ministerial team led by Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar when it visited the affected areas.