Khammam: Due to the non-availability of fodder for a massive number of sheep in Telangana and other adjacent states, shepherds are complaining that the number of sheep has depleted.
The government distributed 4,600 units of sheep in the district, which is equal to 1.06 lakh sheep.
This number is in addition to the four lakh existing sheep. Such massive livestock caused a need for fodder in the parched lands. This situation was witnessed even in mandals where forest lands are available. The condition of shepherds in the other mandals is most vulnerable.
The officials who distributed the sheep to shepherds had not taken into account the fodder problem. There are complaints from shepherds that they are unable to feed sufficient fodder to the sheep, even after walking 10 km a day. A sheep needs seven kg of grass per day to keep healthy.
Buying fodder is not financially viable for shepherds and they may fall into a debt trap.
P. Achaiah, a shepherd in Karepalli said, “We are unable to get grass for sheep, even after a 10km walk. The government should study this problem urgently.”
