Raj Sadosh/Abohar.
Dr Sandeep Kumar Jain, Co-opted Member, Animal Welfare Board of India & President, People for Animals has requested Punjab Chief Minister to regulate use of wheat husk/tudi as industrial fuel to ensure availability of fodder for cattle and bovines.
Jain said that heat husk, locally known as _tudi_, is the primary dry fodder for cows, buffaloes, and other bovines, especially during summer and lean seasons. However, it has been observed that several industries, particularly brick kilns and biomass plants, are procuring wheat husks in bulk to use as cheap boiler fuel.
He said that unethical trade practice can cause fodder scarcity: Sharp rise in _tudi_ prices — from Rs 400-500/quintal to over Rs 900-1200/quintal in many districts — making it unaffordable for small farmers and gaushalas. Cattle are being deprived of essential dry fodder, impacting milk production and animal health. Punjab has 25+ lakh milch animals. Fodder shortage directly affects rural livelihoods dependent on dairy. Food/fodder for livestock should take precedence over industrial fuel under the National Livestock Policy, 2013
Jain requested to issue immediate directions to Deputy Commissioners to regulate bulk purchase of wheat husk by industries. Mandate that industries shift to paddy straw, cotton stalks, or other Agro-waste for fuel under the _Crop Residue Management_ framework. Create district-wise fodder banks and set a reserve quota of _tudi_ for gaushalas and small dairy farmers at MSP. Direct the Animal Husbandry Dept. and Punjab Pollution Control Board to jointly monitor diversion of cattle fodder to industrial use.
