Widespread adoption of forage can be promoted by offering farmers monetary rewards for embracing high-yielding and climate-resilient fodder crops. This approach not only acknowledges the intrinsic link between fodder quality and livestock productivity but also addresses the economic concerns of farmers. Incentivising the cultivation of improved fodder varieties ensures increased availability, positively impacting the nutritional wellbeing and productivity of livestock.
Bishwa Bhaskar Choudhary
THE interim Budget has made an allocation of Rs 1.27 lakh crore (about 2.6 per cent of the total) for the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. The Budget has outlined the government’s intent to implement measures to increase the productivity of high-yield crops.
The government has announced a comprehensive programme aimed at supporting the dairy sector. It builds on the success of existing schemes, including the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, National Livestock Mission and the Infrastructure Development Fund dedicated to the dairy processing and animal husbandry. The Gokul Mission, which focuses on the conservation and development of indigenous cattle breeds, has been a success in promoting genetic improvement and enhancing milk productivity. The Livestock Mission, aimed at sustainable development of the livestock sector, has played a crucial role in augmenting the income of farmers. The focus of the infrastructure fund on dairy processing and animal husbandry underscores the government’s commitment to modernising and strengthening the backbone of the dairy industry.
Source: Tribune India
