Union Minister Champions Fodder Innovation in Jhansi
On April 5, 2025, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, visited the ICAR–Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute (IGFRI) in Jhansi. His visit aimed to evaluate ongoing research and innovations focused on improving fodder availability and sustainable grassland management across India. Accompanied by key officials, including Secretary Alka Upadhyaya and Animal Husbandry Commissioner Dr. Abhijit Mitra, Singh engaged with scientists and explored a comprehensive exhibition of cutting-edge fodder technologies.
Addressing the National Fodder Deficit
During his address, Minister Singh highlighted a pressing issue: the national green fodder deficit, currently estimated at 11%. He underscored the necessity for technology-driven solutions to combat this challenge. Presently, only 8.5 million hectares are dedicated to cultivated fodder, while the nation has approximately 11.5 million hectares of grasslands and nearly 100 million hectares of wastelands that remain underutilized. Singh emphasized the importance of effectively harnessing these resources to achieve self-reliance in fodder production and enhance livestock productivity.
“Efficient utilization of these underused resources is essential for achieving fodder self-reliance and improving livestock productivity,” Singh stated, urging for a strategic approach to address the deficit through innovative practices and technologies.
Promoting Research and Development
The Union Minister commended the research and development initiatives at IGFRI and called for the rapid dissemination of these technologies through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) across various states. He particularly pointed out the significance of perennial grasses that can withstand abiotic stress, noting their potential to restore degraded lands and provide sustainable green fodder year-round. Singh reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering a resilient livestock sector, emphasizing that science, innovation, and cooperative governance will be pivotal in enhancing fodder security and achieving self-sufficiency in agriculture and animal husbandry.
Furthermore, Singh encouraged IGFRI researchers to establish the institute as a central hub for knowledge and innovation in fodder development and grassland enhancement in India.
Showcasing Innovative Technologies
During the visit, several key technologies were showcased, including livestock-based Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) designed for various farmer categories, apomictic breeding in perennial grasses to ensure genetic consistency, and specialized fodder farm machinery aimed at reducing manual labor. Additionally, the introduction of seed standards and certification systems for forage crops was highlighted, along with the innovative use of drones for large-scale grassland rejuvenation through seed pellet application.
Ms. Alka Upadhyaya emphasized the importance of state-level collaboration to facilitate the broader adoption of location-specific fodder technologies. She cited the integration of fodder cultivation in fallow spaces within coconut orchards in Kerala as a promising model. To advance this initiative, a joint meeting is scheduled for April 8, 2025, in Kerala, which will gather representatives from the State Government, KVKs, and IGFRI scientists.
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