ICAR identifies new promising fodder varieities

New Delhi, May 11 (UNI)The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has identified three new varieties of 'fast growing and short duration' green fodders, the cheapest sources of nutrients to dairy animals.

They are ICS 9901( Budel Sen Ghas-1), IGC 9903 (Bundel Phulkara Grass -1) and pearl millet variety AVKB-19 (dual Purpose) which have been developed by Jhansi based INdian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute.

Tolerant to defoliators and responsive to recommended agronomical practices in sem-arid, tropicaland sub-tropical areas during Kharif season, the ICS9901 is superior in both green fodder and dry matter yield and average yield under normal conditions is about 183 quintal per hectare.

Suitable for tropical and sub-tropical parts of the country during Kharif season,IGC 9903 is a perennial crop which can be grown in poor and degraded soils.It is also tolerant to pest and diseases and gives a yield of 264 quintals per hectare, said an ICAR release here today.

AVKB-19, a pearl millet variety has been developed for north-eastern states, grown under rainfed condituions for high forage and seed yeilding.

India ranked fist in cattle and buffalo population with baffalos accounting for 57 per cent and animals for 16 per cent of their respective world populations.

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