Srinagar : The ICAR-Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, RRS, Srinagar in collaboration with the Social Forestry Department, Govt. of J & K, organized the Virtual Workshop to discuss the establishment of silvipastures in various agro-climatic regions of J & K for augmentation of forage resource availability with all the officials of the social forestry department, including Shri Roshan Jaggi, PCCF/Director, regional directors, divisional forest and range officers.
Dr. Suheel Ahmad, OIC, RRS Srinagar, gave a detailed introduction of fodder scenario and challenges faced by the livestock sector.
The speaker highlighted the potential areas for fodder production enhancement viz increase in area under fodder cultivation, horti and silvi-pastoral systems and grassland improvement. Dr. R V Kumar, Head, GSM Division, talked in length about the large scale adoption of alternate land use systems, three tier fodder systems (tree, shrub, grass/legume components) for sustainable fodder production.
Round the year fodder availability could be ensured through growing forages on bunds, establishing fodder banks, utilizing tree fodder, exploring and using alternate fodder crops etc. Dr. A K Roy, PC, AICRP, FCU suggested to identify some villages based on topography, soil characteristics, livestock population etc and provided recommendations of suitable fodder crops/species for various zones of the UT.
Demonstrations could be conducted on cultivated fodder crops, grassland improvement etc on the CPR’s and technologies may be subsequently up-scaled.
Dr. Amresh Chandra, Director, ICAR-IGFRI recommended the development of site specific silvipastoral models for all the agro-climatic zones of the UT.
He further suggested to do an in depth study of the existing models, the lacunae and formulate strategies to improve or replace the existing models and showcase best technologies.
He emphasised on detailed surveys and delineation using drones, chalking out technical and financial implications, training at different levels and strengthening interaction/linkages in future as well.
Mr. Roshan Jaggi, Director, social forestry department, highlighted the importance of forests, animal husbandry and how higher stocking rates are exerting severe pressure on forest lands.
The utilization of non-forest lands (CPR’s, panchayat and private lands) is highly imperative to enhance fodder production and reduce pressure on the forests/grazing areas.
Dr. Nagaratna Biradar, OIC, RRS, Dharwad coordinated the daylong event.
The Workshop registered participation by 56 participants.
