IWMP-11 - Commissionerate of Rural Development Gujarat State ...

PIA: DWDU, Amreli
Pasture Development (Fodder Development)
"The fodder development technology is a farming practice whereby leguminous shrubs and grass species are grown on a farm to provide
fodder for livestock sector." It provides a wide range of animal products that are rich in high quality proteins and have the potential as good
and sustainable sources of income in many areas. Through the dairy cooperative societies, farmers will be supplied with seeds of Bajra,
multi-cut Jowar and cowpea for the summer season; multi cut Bajra, multi cut Jowar and maize for the kharif season and Bajra and Berseem
for the rabi season. The demand for fodder seeds was the highest for the rabi season. Farmers cite the availability of green grass in
abundance during the rains as a reason for their not devoting acreage solely for fodder during the kharif season. The accent of the
programme during the year was to get across the message of growing a mixture of fodder crops providing complete nutrition for the
animals. The success of the programme lay in making available quality fodder seeds to farmers. One aspect where we could have done
better was in getting farmers to try out a mix of fodder crops and devote needed acreage to growing fodder for their animals. The fodder
bank ensures fodder availability which in turn reduces the distressed migration of the people resulting in sustainable livelihood
opportunities and enhances natural resource security in the project area.
Objective of a fodder bank:
1. Build a local fodder bank and organize the distribution of fodder during drought and scarce situation. .
2. Establish and maintain village fodder farm in the community grazing area, and allocate the community land for fodder production, in
association with dairy co-operatives.
3. Control regulates and charge in the community grazing and pastures lands.
4. Undertake the distribution of fodder seeds and slips in the village.
District Watershed Development Unit, Amreli 63