Forage scientists advocate specific policy to enhance fodder produce

Ranchi, Apr 14 (UNI) Expressing concern over low availability of forage crop in the country, scientists assembled at the three-day annual meet on forage crops today stressed on coming out with a specific policy to fulfil the need of forage as well as foodgrains.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the meet S N Shukla Assistant Director General of Indian Council for Agriculture and Research (ICAR) said production of green fodder for feeding the livestock was only 400 million tonnes, about 62 per cent below than the required 1000 million tonnes.

Mr Shukla further said that gap of dry fodder between produce and demand was about 25 to 30 per cent.

Stressing the need to adopt an integrated farming system Mr Shukla said research efforts should be focussed on developing techniques to meet demands of fodder and foodgrains through a single produce.

Urging the need for public and private partnership for producing forge crops, Mr Shukla said production of fodder was equally profitable and environment friendly as it was directly linked to the production of meat and milk production from livestock.

N N Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Birsa Agricultural University advised on developing seed strength for producing fodder.

Earlier, ADG ICAR informed that about 200 crore project, sanctioned under the tenth-five year plan, was in progress for developing infrastructure required for seed production in the country.

Over 100 scientists from across the country were participating in the two-day national meet.

UNI