District Collector Dr G. Lakshmisha has called for effective management of Community Cattle Shelters (Samaajika Pashu Chavidilu), also known as Mega Gokulams, to strengthen dairy farming and farmers’ livelihoods.
During inspections at Bandipalem in Jaggaiahpet mandal and Subbayigudem in Penuganchiprolu mandal, accompanied by MLA Sriram Rajagopal Thataiah, Dr Lakshmisha said that seven shelters were built under the Mega Gokulam project (2018–19), each costing ₹21 lakh and designed to house 20 cattle.
He instructed officials to ensure proper upkeep, community participation, and sustainability, suggesting these shelters be developed into ‘cattle hostels’ providing fodder, feed, and care for livestock. Emphasising integrated farming, he said agriculture and dairy must progress together to increase farmers’ income.
MLA Thataiah proposed a new shelter for Gandrai village and raised concerns about rural road conditions, which the Collector assured would be addressed soon. Dr Lakshmisha also inspected a wealth-from-waste unit at Subbayigudem and advised using cattle waste for vermi-compost production, turning waste into value-added resources. Officials from the Animal Husbandry Department, Panchayats, and local administration participated in the visit.
