‘Forage Day’ organized across the Country

9th September, 2022

ICAR-AICRP on Forage Crops and Utilization, Jhansi organized ‘Forage Day’ today across the country in 35 centers of ICAR Institutes, SAUs, CAUs, Regional Stations and NGOs to sensitize and impart basic understanding about different forage species (traditional fodder crops, range grass species, non-conventional fodder etc.).

As a part of this event, “Forage Day” was also organized ICAR-Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi.

The Chief Guest, Shri Ram Naresh Tewari, Independent Director, Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. and Rashtriya Mantri, Kisan Morcha briefed about the various schemes being implemented by the State and Central Government for the benefit of farmers in general and livestock keepers in particular. He also emphasised on the importance of livestock in natural and organic farming. He stressed upon the need of increasing farmer’s income and building a strong India.

The Guest of Honour, Dr. S. K. Chaturvedi, Vice-Chancellor, Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University, Jhansi explained the need of round the year green fodder availability to the livestock and extending forages to non-arable lands too. He further emphasized on the effective linkage between the institutions and the extension workers so that the technologies reach the stakeholders.

Dr. A. K. Roy, Project Coordinator and In-charge Director, ICAR-IGFRI explained the various technologies available for enhancing fodder resources in the country. He also explained the need of entrepreneurship development in various aspects of fodder crops like post-harvest management, seed production and marketing, silage, hay, baling, densified blocks etc. and urged upon the students and progressive farmers to take benefit of facilities available in ABIC centre at IGFRI.

Dr. R. K. Agarwal, Principal Scientist explained the genesis and background of the theme and informed that it is simultaneously being celebrated across the country on the same day. He also presented a glimpse of the Golden Jubilee Forage Garden maintained at various ICAR Institutes, SAUs, CAUs, Regional Stations and NGOs.

The participants were apprised about the importance of forage crops and its benefits for livestock and livelihood. The lectures were followed by field visits especially to the ‘Golden Jubilee Forage Gardens’ established at different Centers.

About 130 farmers, scientists, graduate and post graduate students of agriculture participated in the programme at ICAR-IGFRI.

(Source: AICRP on Forage Crops and Utilization, IGFRI, Jhansi)