Forage resource development in India

Abstract

Livestock is an important asset of small and marginal farmers in the Indian rural economy, however, its profitability is dependent on efficient feeding and marketing. Chronic shortage of feed and fodder resources during the last few decades indicates that most of the livestock were underfed. This shortage could be traced to growing livestock population, low productivity and less emphasis on forage cultivation by livestock owners. Neglect of community pastures and lack of concern for development of feed resources reflect on the performance of small ruminants. Owners did not show interest in feeding their animals due to low productivity. Sources of fodder for feeding livestock indicated that 54% of the total fodder was met from crop residues, 18% fodder from grasslands and only 28% fodder was from cultivated fodder crops. Breed improvement is the most critical factor for improving milk yield of cows and buffaloes in India and also for other species of livestock. Improved livestock will motivate livestock owners to feed better quality feeds and forages. While improving forage resources, it is necessary to address the opportunities related to production and efficient use of crop residues and increasing the fodder yield of cultivated fodder crops on agricultural lands and on wastelands and community pastures. Forage and feed development should be an integral aspect of the dairy and meat value chain to ensure proper forward and backward integration, necessary to optimize the production and profitability of livestock industry. There is a need to establish effective communication between scientists and poor farmers.