Parliament Question: Fodder Projects in Rajasthan

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 276 TO BE ANSWERED ON 02nd DECEMBER, 2025 FODDER PROJECTS IN RAJASTHAN

276. SHRI RAHUL KASWAN:

Will the Minister of FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING मत्स्यपालन, पशुपालन और डेयरी मंत्री

be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is true that only one fodder related project was approved for Rajasthan under the National Livestock Mission (NLM) and no funds have been disbursed for the same;

(b) if so, the reasons for such low project uptake despite the State’s chronic fodder shortage; and

(c) whether the Government proposes to prioritize fodder and feed development in arid districts such as Churu, Bikaner and Jaisalmer through special packages or demonstration projects? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING (SHRI RAJIV RANJAN SINGH ALIAS LALAN SINGH)

(a) and (b) Yes Sir under National Livestock Mission - Entrepreneurship Development Programme (NLM-EDP) only one fodder-related project is approved by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India for Rajasthan and one instalment of subsidy amounting Rs.23.205 Lakh has been disbursed. As per the information available in the National Livestock Mission Portal, there are 49 applications received under the category of fodder development. However, the State Government of Rajasthan has forwarded one application till 3rd June, 2025 when the last Project Approval Committee meeting for approval of new projects was held. The Entrepreneurship programme is demand driven programme. The Demand depends on the financial and technical capability of the applicant.

(c) The State Government is responsible for meeting demand for feed and fodder for their livestock population. The Central Government is taking various initiatives for fodder development in the country. In order to supplement the efforts of the State Government and Union Territories, the Union Government is implementing Centrally Sponsored Scheme National Livestock Mission with a Sub Mission on Feed and Fodder Development. The Scheme is operational all over the country since 2014-15. The Sub-Mission on Feed and Fodder

Development is having following components:

(i) Assistance for Quality Fodder Seed Production

(ii) Entrepreneurial activities in feed and fodder

(iii) Establishment of Entrepreneurs for Fodder Seed processing Infrastructure (processing and grading unit/ fodder seed storage godown)

(iv) Fodder production from Non-Forest Wasteland/Rangeland/Non-arable Land” and “Fodder Production from Forest LandFurther, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying has requested all the State Governments to establish fodder task force including Rajasthan to increase the fodder cultivation areas and convergence of other schemes of the States and Central Government.

These efforts will increase the fodder availability in the respective states including the Rajasthan. ***