KOCHI: One of the major constraints that affect dairy development in the state is a paucity of green fodder, especially during summer. The issue assumes significance in the wake of Kerala witnessing monsoon deficiency this year, prompting the authorities to declare the state ‘drought hit.’
Dairy farmers in the urban areas are worried about the steady increase in prices of cattle feed and non-availability of green fodder, caused mainly by shrinking of grasslands.
With the aim of bringing relief to farmers, the Dairy Development Department has chalked out an extensive project to promote green fodder cultivation in the state. Under the project, farmers will be offered a slew of incentives for cultivating green fodder. The initiative is expected to make the state self-sufficient in green fodder production, thereby reducing dependence on other states.
“Farmers who hold up to 20 cents of land will be provided grass blocks worth Rs 7,500/hectare, while farmers holding more than 20 cents will be offered Rs 2,000/hectare plus Rs 10,000 for setting up an irrigation system. Farmers who do not own animals can grow fodder grass as a cash crop. Seeds of short-term and perennial crops will be distributed free of cost,” said an officer in the Department.
“For mechanised fodder grass cultivation and Azolla cultivation, Rs 10,000 and Rs 600 will be provided, respectively. Women self-groups will get Rs 7,500 for cultivation and sale of grass. It has been decided to grant Rs 1 lakh for protected fodder grass cultivation, such as hydroponic,” he said.
“Studies show nutrient-rich feed, combined with green fodder, will increase milk production, even in summer. Around 96 percent of the cattle in Kerala are cross-breed and are sensitive to high temperature. Around 56 per cent of the cross-breed cattle has exotic blood, which makes life miserable for them during summer. Eating rich green fodder will help them maintain body temperature,” say experts.
Besides, the government has sanctioned a grant of Rs 70 and Rs 35 daily for dairy farmers in drought-hit areas to feed big and small animals, respectively.