Dehradun: The Uttarakhand state government has been running several schemes to support livestock farmers, with the Ghasiyari Kalyan Yojana standing out as a key initiative aimed at easing the burden on women in hilly regions. The program provides animal feed and silage to beneficiary women, eliminating the need for them to venture into forests or remote areas to collect grass, ensuring fodder is available right at home for their cattle.

Launched in 2023, the scheme has encountered repeated challenges from the outset. Now, a fresh crisis has emerged in the mountainous areas due to inconsistent fodder availability. Many livestock owners report that fodder supplies have been halted in their regions for an extended period, leading to significant hardships.

The difficulties for hill farmers have intensified because the forest department is actively urging people not to let their cattle graze in forests. Officials cite a rising threat from predatory wildlife, which endangers not only the animals but also the women who accompany them for grazing. Several incidents of wildlife attacks on women have been reported in recent times, leaving farmers in a dilemma about how to safely procure fodder for their livestock.

The primary reason for the disruption in fodder supply under the Ghasiyari scheme is attributed to delays in budget releases. The responsibility for providing silage was assigned to a private agency, but due to prolonged non-payment, the vendor has outright refused to continue deliveries. This has directly impacted livestock owners in the hilly districts.

According to data, approximately 3,000 tons of silage are dispatched monthly to Uttarakhand’s mountainous districts. Additionally, new conditions have been imposed for large-scale commercial dairy farmers. Subsidized fodder will now be available only to those with up to five animals. Farmers requiring more than the allocated quantity will have to pay commercial rates.

Amid complaints from farmers, the Cooperative Department assures that the budget has now been released, and the scheme will soon be back on track. According to Deputy Registrar Anand Shukla, the vendor halted supplies due to pending payments, but with funds now available, all arrangements are being restored. The department claims that relief for livestock owners is imminent in the coming days.