Maharashtra launched Mission Murghas on 24 October 2026 to address fodder shortages during drought conditions. The state had declared drought in 305 talukas by 14 October, while 265 talukas had reached Trigger 1 during the 2026 kharif season. The Maharashtra Cabinet announced the Fodder Development Policy on 29 September 2026.
Fodder cultivation and livestock
Fodder is plant material cultivated or collected to feed livestock; it includes grasses, fodder crops and crop residues. The Maharashtra policy sets district-wise plans for cultivating grasses, fodder trees and improved fodder crops. It proposes adding 331.42 thousand hectares to the area under fodder cultivation over five years. The policy provides for using land managed by the Forest and Revenue Departments for fodder cultivation. Some land is to be leased to women’s self-help groups. The government also plans to distribute fodder seeds through a ₹62 crore fund, encourage cultivation by farmers with assured water sources and procure fodder at a guaranteed price.
Drought management and fodder banks
On 14 October 2026, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule directed officials to establish Fodder Banks and prepare a Standard Operating Procedure for fodder management. The directions also covered immediate fodder cultivation on forest land and dam backwaters. Fodder banks are facilities for storing and distributing fodder to livestock owners.
District-level fodder measures
Nanded district launched the Fodder Friends initiative on 16 October 2026 to strengthen local fodder availability. On 18 October, Latur district, where all 10 talukas were drought-affected, prohibited the use of crop residue as industrial fuel and restricted fodder sales and transport outside the district. Latur planned fodder cultivation across 5,000 hectares. By 22 October, Pune district administration had planned cultivation over 22,000 to 25,000 acres, targeting production of 5.5 lakh tonnes and supply of surplus fodder to affected districts. The Chief Minister Rural Livestock Entrepreneurship Scheme, introduced in March 2026, supports dairy, goat and sheep farming, poultry farming and fodder development. It provides a 4% interest concession on eligible loans.
Important Facts for Exams
- Maharashtra’s administrative subdivisions include districts, talukas and villages.
- The Fodder Development Policy includes grasses, fodder trees and improved fodder crops.
- The Chief Minister Rural Livestock Entrepreneurship Scheme covers dairy, goat and sheep farming, poultry farming and fodder development.
- The Maharashtra government’s announced fodder-seed fund is ₹62 crore.
The policy’s five-year target is to add 331.42 thousand hectares to fodder cultivation. Fodder Banks and district cultivation plans form part of the state’s response to the 2026 drought.
