SUNIL PRASAD
Ecology and Biodiversity Services (EBS), Ring Road, Dehradun (Uttarakhand), India
*(e-mail: sunbhatt12@gmail.com)
(Received 1 June 2024; Accepted : 23 June 2024)
SUMMARY
Livestock rearing has served as the foundation of the Himalayan economy for generations, acting as the main source of energy for agricultural activities and animal protein for the local population. The current situation presents a challenge in terms of adequate fodder supply, with limited options for alternative resources due to land scarcity in the region. The focus on maximizing forage production aims to address periods of scarcity caused by extreme weather conditions, particularly during winter (December to January) and summer (May to June). Given the rising demand for fodder in the Western Himalaya, exploring various alternatives becomes crucial to meet the needs of livestock and close the gap between supply and demand. Enhancing these alternatives not only alleviates the burden on women but also contributes to soil enrichment, slope stability, and potentially curbing migration. However, the availability of alternative fodder remains a challenge in the region due to small land holdings and inadequate Crop Residue Fodder (CRF) supply. While traditional grasses are still relied upon, the increasing demand necessitates a shift towards alternative fodder resources to sustain livestock. Our analysis highlights the importance of exploring different fodder options to address the demand-supply gap in animal feeding systems.
Key words: Crop Residue Fodder, fodder supply, fodder demand and tree leaves fodder.