Training Programes on Fodder Promotion to Boost Livestock Productivity Organised

25 April 2025, Bhubaneswar

ICAR-Central Institute for Women in Agriculture, Bhubaneswar, in collaboration with the Veterinary Officer's Training Institute (VOTI) and the Fishery and Animal Resources Development Department (FARD), Govt. of Odisha, organised a series of 10 three-day training programmes on “Fodder Promotion and Conservation Technology for Improving Livestock Productivity” from 18 November 2024 to 25 April 2025.

These programmes were designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of fodder staff, paravets, and women farmers in scientific fodder cultivation and conservation methods. The initiative comes in response to a significant fodder shortage in Odisha, with government data (2018–19) indicating a 39.6% shortfall in green fodder and 46.5% in dry fodder, while only 4.26% of cultivated land is used for fodder production.

The training focused on empowering women, the backbone of livestock care, through capacity building under the Mukhya Mantri Kamdhenu Yojana, jointly implemented by ICAR-CIWA and the Odisha government. Participants were trained in gender-inclusive livestock management, seasonal and perennial fodder cultivation, hay and silage making, azolla cultivation, hydroponic techniques, and value-added feed preparation like feed blocks, total mixed ration, and pellet feeds.

Dr Mridula Devi, Director, ICAR-CIWA, urged formation of local fodder task forces and development of common lands through SHGs and FPOs, stressing the importance of gender sensitization.

A total of 320 participants (82 women and 238 men) benefitted from the hands-on demonstrations and technical sessions held across 10 batches. 
Senior officials participated in various sessions and encouraged continued collaboration with ICAR-CIWA to strengthen livestock productivity and women empowerment in the sector.

(ICAR-Central Institute for Women in Agriculture, Bhubaneswar)