Strategies for enhancing forage production in rainfed regions of India.

摘要

This study was conducted to explore the possibility of improving the livelihood of poor people through integration of forage production with traditional crop production in rainfed regions of India represented by districts in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, during 2002-05. It was found that awareness played an important role through farmer-farmer interaction. Majority of farmers realized the economic benefits of feeding green forage to animals and came forward to take the cultivation of improved forage cultivars. Farmers confirmed that fodder from 0.12 ha area with staggered cutting is sufficient for 5-6 animals throughout the year. Due to high nutrient content of fodder, the animals produced an additional milk quantity of 1-1.5 litre/animal/day. Farmers realized that the integration of fodder cultivation and rearing of milk animals with traditional crop production system provides a better livelihood in a scarce and uncertain rainfall situation.