The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has spearheaded a groundbreaking technology for year-round fodder production in arid regions. The pioneering system, developed at ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur under the leadership of Dr RN Kumawat and his dedicated team, focuses on fodder production from Napier hybrid-based system in arid regions.
This innovative approach has proven to be a game-changer for livestock farmers in Rajasthan, addressing the perennial challenge of fodder scarcity. In a remarkable achievement, the system yields an impressive 244 tons of green fodder per hectare, from the 'Bajra Napier' hybrid system in Rajasthan, catering to the needs of 50 lactating animals.
Scaling up this technology marks a pivotal moment in agricultural history, as it reaches 4,782 farmers across 622 villages in 17 districts of Rajasthan.
Bajra Napier Hybrid
The 'Bajra Napier' hybrid, an inter-specific crossbreed of bajra and napier, serves as a fodder source with an impressive production potential of 400 tons per hectare. When utilized as the sole fodder, it offers elevated energy levels (Total Digestible Nutrients - TDN of 60%) and a protein content ranging from 10% to 14%.
This hybrid can be cultivated independently and in conjunction with fodder legumes, providing flexibility for mixed fodder systems tailored to different seasons.
Recognizing the transformative potential of this innovation, ICAR officially certified the technology in July 2023, attesting to its effectiveness and reliability. The ripple effect of this dissemination is profound, alleviating the burden of fodder scarcity for numerous livestock keepers and bolstering the overall agricultural landscape of the region.
