EXTENSION TOOLS FOR PROMOTING FODDER CULTIVATION
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Date
2014
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Abstract
The livestock sector in India contributes to nearly 32% of total agricultural output. The desired annual
growth of agriculture sector @ 4% can also be accomplished by enhancing productivity from the livestock
sector. This would require a steady supply of fodder for supporting the livestock population. Having only
4% of total cropping area under fodder cultivation has resulted in a severe deficit of green fodder (36%),
dry fodder (40%) and concentrates (57%). The need of the hour is, therefore, to fulfill this shortfall in
demand for fodder (which is over 55%) from crop residues and agricultural bi-products. Fodder deficit
can mainly be attributed to our limitations in increasing the area under fodder crops, limited availability
of good fodder varieties/hybrids, lack of quality seeds of improved varieties/hybrids, poor quality of dry
fodder like paddy/wheat straw etc. Besides, low priority accorded to investment in fodder production,
lack of post-harvest management for surplus fodder, poor management of grazing/pasture lands and
inadequate research, extension and manpower support have only aggravated the situation.
Description
TNV_BC_FCT_2014_116-122
Keywords
Veterinary Science