“The possibility of a fodder shortage in the near future cannot be ruled out due to El Nino. To ensure this situation does not adversely affect livestock and milk production, all livestock farmers in the state should remain alert from now on and plan for fodder crops,” said Kiran Patil, Commissioner, Animal Husbandry
To enable livestock farmers to face this crisis effectively,
The Department of Animal Husbandry has advised the cattle herders and farmers to choose nutritious and multipurpose fodder crops. For the good health of cows and buffaloes, and
“Livestock farmers should cultivate nutritious fodder crops to prevent a drop in milk production,” said Patil. The department has advised farmers to select their main agricultural crops, which can also provide quality fodder.
Farmers have been advised to preserve the natural grass growing on the bunds (boundaries) of their fields or fallow lands as it can support the animals if rains are delayed or deficient.
“To avoid potential shortages in the future, farmers should place great emphasis on large-scale fodder production on their available land. Excess fodder produced should be stored in the form of ‘silage’ or dry fodder so that issues regarding animal feed do not arise,” said the Department in a release.The Department of Animal Husbandry is planning to guide livestock farmers to prepare for facing the El Niño crisis.
Farmers are urged to cultivate crops that will also be useful as livestock feed (fodder) during periods of severe shortage; additionally, they should use and manage fodder effectively without wasting it. Along with this, ‘silage’ technology should be used to store fodder crops from the Kharif and Rabi seasons so that they can be used during the shortage period from February to June 2027. It must be our priority that our livestock is not hit by the potential shortage arising due to the shadow of El Niño.