Amravati: The district administration has reserved 100% of soybean and upcoming tur crop residue for livestock fodder, banning its use in industrial, commercial and other non-agricultural activities amid concerns over fodder availability.District collector and District Disaster Management Authority chairman Ashish Yerekar issued the order under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. It restricts the use of soybean and tur kutar (crop residue) exclusively to livestock feed.Industries manufacturing gattu, biomass briquettes and pellets have been prohibited from using, purchasing or transporting the residue. Stocks found in violation of the order will be seized, and the industrial licences of the concerned units will be cancelled, the administration said.Traders have been barred from hoarding kutar for profiteering, while its sale to anyone other than local farmers, livestock owners and recognised gaushalas (cow shelters) has been prohibited.Transporting kutar outside the district without authorisation is also banned. However, supplies for registered gaushalas or livestock owners in drought-hit areas may be permitted with prior approval from the sub-divisional officer or tahsildar.To enforce the restrictions, the administration has formed special flying squads at the taluka level under the respective tahsildars. The teams, comprising animal husbandry officers, police inspectors, agriculture officers and industry inspectors, will conduct surprise inspections of briquette units and curb illegal transportation.Violators will face criminal proceedings under Sections 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, and applicable provisions of the BNS. Seized materials and vehicles will be deposited in govt godowns or gaushalas.
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