Leverage Technology to Tackle Green Fodder Shortage: Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh highlighted the critical need for technology-based solutions to mitigate the country's green fodder deficit, which stands at 11%. He emphasized the potential of underutilized grasslands and wastelands in improving livestock productivity during his visit to the ICAR-IGFRI in Jhansi.
Key Takeaways
- Technology-driven solutions are vital for addressing the green fodder shortage.
- India has significant untapped grasslands and wastelands.
- Perennial grasses can rejuvenate degraded lands.
- State-level collaboration is essential for implementing fodder technologies.
- Future meetings will focus on integrating fodder in existing agricultural systems.
New Delhi, April 6 (NationPress) Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh emphasized the necessity of technology-driven solutions to combat the ongoing national green fodder shortfall, currently approximated at 11 percent, an official reported on Sunday.
Rajiv Ranjan Singh, also known as Lalan Singh, indicated that merely 8.5 million hectares are currently dedicated to cultivated fodder, while the nation holds around 11.5 million hectares of grasslands and nearly 100 million hectares of wastelands that can be utilized effectively.
He urged that the effective utilization of these underutilized resources is crucial for attaining fodder self-sufficiency and enhancing livestock productivity.
The Minister visited the ICAR–Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute (IGFRI) in Jhansi on Saturday to evaluate the ongoing research initiatives and field-level innovations designed to boost fodder availability and sustainable grassland management.
Accompanied by Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Alka Upadhyaya, and Animal Husbandry Commissioner Abhijit Mitra, the Union Minister engaged with scientists and reviewed a comprehensive exhibition displaying the latest fodder technologies and best practices promoted by the institute.
He highlighted the significance of perennial grasses that are resilient to abiotic stress, pointing out their potential to restore degraded lands, contribute to ecological balance, and offer sustainable green fodder year-round.
Reiterating the government’s dedication to forging a robust livestock sector, Rajiv Ranjan Singh asserted that science, innovation, and cooperative governance will be the pillars of enhancing fodder security and achieving Atmanirbhar Krishi and Pashupalan.
Secretary Alka Upadhyaya emphasized the importance of state-level collaboration to support the broader implementation of location-specific fodder technologies.
She illustrated the potential for integrating fodder cultivation in fallow areas within coconut orchards in Kerala as a promising instance of such collaboration.
To advance this initiative, she announced that a joint meeting will convene in Kerala on April 8, 2025, gathering representatives from the state government, KVKs, and IGFRI scientists.
