Experts Moot Plans to Tide Over Fodder Crisis in State

BHUBANESWAR: Odisha is facing an emergent fodder crisis necessitating urgent redirection of strategies to bridge the widening demand and supply gap as well as ensure quality feed to boost livestock productivity.

It is estimated that there is already a shortfall of 48 per cent in green fodder availability and 24 per cent dry fodder in the State which is set to aggravate in next four to five years. By 2020, there will be 57 per cent deficit in dry fodder availability taking into consideration the fact that one farmer will require at least four to five kgs every day for large ruminant.

Development of area specific best feeding practices by efficient utilisation and value addition of crop residues is the way forward to meet the growing demand for quality fodder for farmers in Odisha, experts stated at a  workshop on ‘improving livestock feeding practice and enhancing feed and fodder availability’ here on Thursday.

The workshop organised by the Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department (FARD) in association with International Livestock Research Institute was inaugurated by FARD Minister Pradip Maharathi. It presented results of trials conducted by the ILRI in Bhadrak, Puri and Mayurbhanj districts.

Field trials have shown higher milk yield by 300 to 600 gms per animal per day along with improved quality on feeding of chopped paddy straw with specific mineral mixture. Mixing chopped paddy straw and maize stover realised higher milk yield by one to two litres per animal per day in Mayurbhanj.

“Livestock sector in the State is confronted with different problems like low productivity, high cost of commercial feed, non-availability of pastures, scarcity of green and dry fodder and traditional technology. Alternatives should be developed by identifying local resources and value adding them for ensuring availability of quality feed at low cost which in turn will boost productivity,” FARD Secretary Bishnupada Sethi said.