Despite the farmers' willingness to shell out more money, the required amount of fodder is just not available.

Generally, farmers stock fodder that could last up to June 15. However, there has been a shortage of fodder right from the beginning of the present year, possibly due the insufficient rains last year, and the delayed monsoon has made matters worse.

Many areas of the state such as Radhanpur, Sami, Harij, Banaskantha, Bahucharaji, Detroj, Dehgam, Modasa and Daskroi are facing a severe shortage of fodder.

Prathmesh Dave, a farmer from Bhankoda village of Detroj Taluka, said that a majority of farmers are running short of fodder. "In our area, irrigation resources are very limited and agriculture is heavily dependent on rain," said Dave, elaborating on the crisis. Some people did have fodder crops in summer, but that was not enough to cater to the needs of the whole village, he said.

The prices of fodder had been on the higher side right from the time the monsoon ended last year. However, they have almost doubled now, because of the delayed monsoon. Millet fodder bunches that were sold at INR600 (US$12.9) per 100 pieces earlier, are now selling at INR1,000 (US$21.4) per 100 pieces, while the prices of juvar fodder bunches have gone to INR1,500 (US$32.2) per 100 pieces, from the INR800 (US$17.1) per 100 pieces that they cost earlier. "We are not worried about prices as we are ready to pay more to save our animals. However, our main cause of concern is non-availability of fodder," said Dave.

Bachuji Thakor of Shenaj village said that because of the shortage of fodder in the area, he had to bring some from Sabarkantha district to feed his four buffalos and two bullocks. Many farmers are now being compelled to use leaves of neem and other trees to feed their livestock.

Viram Bharwad, a maldhari leader, said that due to high temperatures in the state, the animals' capacity to produce milk has decreased. "The shortage of fodder will lead to starvation in animals, which in turn will have a direct impact on milk procurement, leading to shortage and higher prices," he said.