The Punjab Government to provide subsidy on the construction of Silage Silo Pits (SSPs) to the livestock farmers and would construct 660 concrete SSPs in the state with the subsidy of Rs.70,000 per livestock farmer. Disclosing this here today, Gulzar Singh Ranike, Minister for Animal Husbandry, Fishery and Dairy Development, Punjab said that the state government has taken this initiative to increase the daily farming and milk production. He said that any livestock farmers belonging to general and SC category could avail this facility. Ranike said that Punjab has become the first state to provide subsidy on SSPs. He said that in case of scarcity of green fodder, cattles were fed through silage, which was good for milk production. The Minister said that livestock farmer having 20 or more cattles could apply for subsidy through village Sarpanch/Lamberdar/Agriculture Development Officer (Feed and green fodder) to the concerned District Deputy Director till 31 May, 2012. He said that every eligible applicant would be provided the assistance in case the applications received at Tehsil level was lower than the target. He sais that in case the applications are more than the target, assistance would be provided through draw of lots on 12th June, 2012 at the Tehsil level in the office of District Deputy Director. He said that the reservation would be given in accordance with GOI and Punjab Government’s directives. Ranike said that the Punjab Government has also decided to distribute ‘J-1006 African Tall’ variety of maize seed at the rate Rs.18 per kilogram to the livestock farmer. He said that the livestock farmer could apply at Tehsil level for seed after getting their application verified by Animal Dispensary/Hospital of the area concerned till 1st June. 2012.