The National Green Fodder Deficit in India, estimated at 11 percent, has sparked a renewed focus on the pressing issue of sustainable fodder management. A recent visit by Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh to the ICAR-Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute (IGFRI) in Jhansi has underscored the need for technology-led interventions to tackle this challenge. • The Minister stressed the importance of harnessing the country’s underutilized grassland resources, which currently stand at approximately 11.5 million hectares. • Despite only 8.5 million hectares being under cultivated fodder, the government is keen to improve livestock productivity and achieve fodder self-reliance. • The Minister emphasized the role of perennial grasses in rejuvenating degraded lands, maintaining ecological balance, and providing sustainable green fodder throughout the year.
| Grassland Resources | 11.5 million hectares |
| Cultivated Fodder | 8.5 million hectares |
The Minister’s visit to IGFRI was aimed at assessing the ongoing research efforts and field-level innovations aimed at enhancing fodder availability and sustainable grassland management. He was accompanied by Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Alka Upadhyaya, and Animal Husbandry Commissioner Abhijit Mitra. During his interaction with scientists, the Minister highlighted the importance of perennial grasses that are tolerant to abiotic stress. He emphasized their potential to rejuvenate degraded lands, contribute to ecological balance, and provide sustainable green fodder throughout the year. “The government is committed to building a resilient livestock sector, and science, innovation, and cooperative governance will be the cornerstones of advancing fodder security and achieving Atmanirbhar Krishi and Pashupalan,” Rajiv Ranjan Singh stated. Secretary Alka Upadhyaya emphasized the significance of state-level convergence to support the wider adoption of location-specific fodder technologies. She highlighted the scope for integrating fodder cultivation in fallow spaces within coconut orchards in Kerala as a promising example of such convergence. To further promote this model, she informed that a joint meeting will be held in Kerala on April 8, 2025, bringing together representatives of the state government, KVKs, and IGFRI scientists. Rajiv Ranjan Singh’s visit to IGFRI has underscored the need for technology-led interventions to address the national green fodder deficit. The government’s commitment to building a resilient livestock sector and promoting sustainable fodder management practices will be crucial in achieving fodder self-reliance and improving livestock productivity. As the country looks to the future, it is clear that technology will play a vital role in addressing the challenges posed by the national green fodder deficit. By harnessing the potential of underutilized resources and promoting sustainable fodder management practices, India can take a significant step towards achieving its goals of Atmanirbhar Krishi and Pashupalan. A key highlight of the Minister’s visit was his emphasis on the importance of perennial grasses in sustainable fodder management. These grasses are not only tolerant to abiotic stress but also have the potential to contribute to ecological balance and provide sustainable green fodder throughout the year. The Minister’s visit to IGFRI has also underscored the importance of state-level convergence in promoting location-specific fodder technologies. By working together, the government, KVKs, and IGFRI scientists can promote a wider adoption of fodder technologies and support the wider adoption of sustainable fodder management practices. In a quoted statement, Rajiv Ranjan Singh said: “Science, innovation, and cooperative governance will be the cornerstones of advancing fodder security and achieving Atmanirbhar Krishi and Pashupalan.”
Key Takeaways
• The National Green Fodder Deficit in India is estimated at 11 percent. • The country possesses approximately 11.5 million hectares of grasslands and nearly 100 million hectares of wastelands that can be harnessed efficiently. • The government is keen to improve livestock productivity and achieve fodder self-reliance. • Perennial grasses are tolerant to abiotic stress and have the potential to rejuvenate degraded lands, maintain ecological balance, and provide sustainable green fodder throughout the year. • State-level convergence is essential for promoting location-specific fodder technologies and supporting the wider adoption of sustainable fodder management practices.
• Fodder: the material used to feed livestock, typically hay, grass, or other crops. • Perennial grasses: grasses that live for more than two years and have the potential to contribute to ecological balance and provide sustainable green fodder throughout the year. • Atmanirbhar Krishi: a term used to describe India’s goal of achieving self-sufficiency in agriculture and promoting sustainable farming practices. • Pashupalan: a term used to describe India’s goal of achieving self-sufficiency in livestock production and promoting sustainable livestock practices.