Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh highlighted the urgent need to bridge India's green fodder deficit, currently estimated at 11%, through innovative and technology-led approaches.
Addressing scientists during his visit to the ICAR–Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute (IGFRI) in Jhansi, he called for the efficient utilization of underused land resources, including 11.5 million hectares of grasslands and nearly 100 million hectares of wastelands.
“Efficient utilisation of these underused resources is essential for achieving fodder self-reliance and improving livestock productivity,” he stated, highlighting the strategic importance of sustainable fodder availability in building a resilient livestock sector.
Accompanied by DAHD Secretary Alka Upadhyaya and Animal Husbandry Commissioner Dr. Abhijit Mitra, the minister reviewed IGFRI’s exhibition of cutting-edge fodder technologies. From stress-tolerant perennial grasses to livestock-based Integrated Farming Systems (IFS), apomictic breeding for genetic uniformity, and drone-enabled seed pellet-based grassland rejuvenation, the innovations showcased reflected the institute’s comprehensive approach to fodder development.
Minister Singh lauded the institute’s research efforts and urged the rapid dissemination of these solutions through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) across the country. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to Atmanirbhar Krishi and Pashupalan, driven by science, innovation, and cooperative governance.
Alka Upadhyaya emphasized the need for state-level convergence to promote location-specific fodder solutions. She cited the integration of fodder cultivation within Kerala’s coconut orchards as a successful model and announced a joint meeting on April 8 in Kerala with state officials, KVKs, and IGFRI scientists to scale such efforts.
The minister encouraged IGFRI to evolve into a national hub of knowledge and innovation in fodder research, ensuring that India's livestock sector thrives on a foundation of sustainability, technology, and rural empowerment.
