Analysis of fodder status in Karnataka

Abstract

Animal husbandry is an integral component of Indian agriculture supporting livelihood of more than two-thirds of the rural population. Reduction in agricultural production during drought affects livestock and the livelihood of farmers. Karnataka is second state next only to Rajasthan in terms of total geographic area which is drought prone. Fodder mitigating plan in place for Karnataka is must to sustain livestock. An assessment was made based on the availability and requirement of fodder as dry matter (DM) in each district. Secondary data of crop production, land utilization and livestock census data were used along with the primary data collected through pre-tested interview schedule. Out of 29 districts of Karnataka, 6 districts belonged to adequate DM available category with the mean availability of 87.51%. Five districts belonged to moderately adequate and 10 districts belonged to deficient DM available categories. However, 1 in every 4 districts belonged to severely DM deficient category. The mean DM availability for the state was 56.46%. Total contribution of crop residues to DM in the state was 72.59% with coarse straw contribution being one third of it. Gross cropped area contributed more among the sources of green fodder and contribution of concentrates to the totalDM availability in the state was 3.81%. This information generated may facilitate policy makers to develop plan with appropriate interventions to improve feed and fodder scenario in the state.