Karnataka has launched a ₹3.8-crore Azolla mission to establish 12,000 small fodder-production units across all 240 taluks, as drought reduces conventional feed supplies and raises cattle-rearing costs for dairy farmers.
The initiative has been announced by the animal husbandry and veterinary services department amid declining fodder reserves and uncertainty over supplies from neighbouring states. Fodder stock in at least 22 taluks is estimated to be sufficient for less than 20 weeks, raising concerns over livestock nutrition if dry conditions continue.
Azolla, a fast-growing aquatic fern rich in protein, amino acids, minerals and other nutrients, is being promoted as a low-cost supplementary feed, particularly for milk-yielding cattle. The crop can be cultivated close to homes or cattle sheds in compact units, provided farmers have access to clean water.
Each unit is estimated to cost ₹3,150 and requires a space of about 10 feet by 4 feet by 1 foot. The setup includes UV-stabilised HDPE sheets, shade nets, supporting frames, soil, cow dung, super phosphate, starter culture and labour. The government will meet the input cost, while interested farmers will receive training in Azolla cultivation, harvesting and processing, an official said.
The units will be rolled out through gram panchayats, with priority for livestock farmers who have adequate space and access to clean water. Each unit will be geo-tagged, with beneficiary details and photographs recorded for implementation monitoring under the VB-G RAM G framework and Gram Panchayat Development Plan.
The state’s wider fodder strategy reflects the pressure drought is placing on established supply networks. Deputy Chief Minister and Revenue Minister G Parameshwara told the Assembly during a special drought session that Karnataka had previously relied on maize stalk and paddy straw from Tamil Nadu and Telangana. With much of peninsular India also facing drought, those traditional supply lines now offer less certainty, he said.
The animal husbandry department estimates that Karnataka has enough fodder stock for an average of 30 to 40 weeks. However, officials have warned that shortages in individual taluks remain a concern. The government has also released ₹25 crore to purchase and distribute fodder seed kits, encouraging farmers with irrigation facilities to grow their own feed. Karnataka Milk Federation is supporting seed distribution and promoting fodder cultivation among dairy farmers.
Gram panchayats have been directed to undertake fodder cultivation works under the VB-G RAM G scheme. The government is also examining whether fertile exposed sections of lake beds can be used for fodder cultivation. Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Eshwar Khandre has asked zilla panchayat chief executive officers to identify suitable sites.
Khandre said exposed lake-bed land retains soil moisture and could support cultivation even when lakes are full. Gram panchayats will oversee the work, with a pilot project scheduled to begin in Bidar in the coming days.
