Famine occurred in Rajasthan: People of 2460 villages of Rajasthan are coming out of trouble. The crops in the fields have dried up, the hope of rain is gone and now the animals are facing the crisis of fodder. The situation is becoming increasingly difficult for cattle in famine-stricken Barmer district. On one hand there is shortage of fodder in the fields, on the other hand cattle herders are looking towards the administration in the hope of relief. But till now neither fodder depots have been opened nor animal camps have been started in the drought-hit villages of the district. In such a situation, the crisis regarding the maintenance of animals has started deepening.
Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma had announced the budget for opening fodder depots and animal camps in famine-stricken villages of the district in a meeting held in Bachhdau on September 30. After this, proposals were made by the administration and sent to the state government, but till now the relief arrangements are not visible on the ground. The wait between the announcement and its implementation is increasing the problems of cattle herders.
Loss estimated at Rs 40 billion
According to agricultural experts, this time the agricultural production in the district was estimated to be about 150 lakh metric tonnes, but about 80 percent of the crops have been damaged. Due to this, a loss of around Rs 40 billion is being estimated. 92.2 percent Girdawari has been done by the Revenue Department. Amidst these figures of crop failure, availability of fodder has also become a big concern.
Long drought increased losses
Agriculture expert Pradeep Pagaria said that this time the district has received about 150 mm less rainfall than the average. After July, there was drought for 45 consecutive days. Due to this reason crops have suffered a lot of damage. According to him, about 80 percent of the crops in Barmer district have been damaged.
2460 villages are in the grip of famine
Out of total 2738 villages in the district, 2460 villages have been declared famine affected. It is estimated that 80 to 100 percent of the crops in these areas will be damaged. Lack of rain and prolonged drought conditions have caused huge losses to agriculture. Due to crop failure, the fodder available from the fields for animals has also reduced. In such a situation, it becomes a challenge for the cattle farmers to arrange fodder to feed the animals.
