India introduces silage subsidy to tackle dairy feed shortages

INDIA – Maharashtra, state of India, has introduced a silage subsidy to help dairy farmers maintain cattle feed supplies during drought, with the programme targeting feed costs and green fodder shortages across 19 districts.

The Mission Murghas initiative, implemented under the Magel Tyala Murghas scheme, provides eligible milk producers and livestock owners with a subsidy of ₹3 (US$0.03) per kilogram of purchased silage. 

The assistance is calculated on the basis of five kilograms per animal per day for 90 days.

The programme targets Marathwada and Vidarbha, where water scarcity and limited fodder availability have increased pressure on livestock feeding. 

Maharashtra has declared drought conditions across 305 talukas, raising concerns about reliable feed supplies for the dairy sector.

Silage, produced by fermenting and preserving green fodder under airtight conditions, can help farmers maintain feed availability when fresh forage and grazing resources are limited. 

Maize, sorghum and Napier grass are among the crops used for silage production.

By subsidising purchased silage, the initiative aims to make preserved fodder more accessible and help farmers manage feeding costs while maintaining cattle nutrition and milk production.

Additional funding supports fodder production

The Maharashtra government has approved an additional ₹76.41 crore (US$8.02 million) for fodder cultivation and silage production under the wider dairy development initiative.

This funding is separate from ₹51.20 crore (US$5.38 million) previously earmarked for fodder-seed distribution during the 2026-27 kharif season and the dairy development project.

The programme forms part of the second phase of the Vidarbha-Marathwada Dairy Development Project, implemented in collaboration with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).

Implementation will involve animal husbandry officials, dairy cooperatives, milk collection societies, silage producers, women’s self-help groups, farmer-producer organisations and Krishi Vigyan Kendras.

The initiative highlights the role of preserved fodder and local feed production in improving feed security for dairy farmers during periods of drought.

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