SRAVANTHI G., SAIDA NAIK V., GUPTA S. K., O. SHAILA, THULASI BAI V., MADHUDEEPIKA K., SRINIVAS A., VENKATESHWARULU. D., MUKUL KUMAR, A. JYOTHI, REETU AND SEVA NAYAK DHEERAVATHU
ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad-500 030 (Telangana), India
ANGRAU-Agricultural Research Station, Jangameswarapuram, Palnadu-522 415 (A.P.), India
PJTSAU- Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Palem, Nagarkurnool Dist-509215
CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore (Karnataka), India
Department of Plant Physiology & Biochemistry, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour (Bihar) India Department of Microbiology, Visakha Government Degree College for Women (A), Visakhapatnam-530 020 (A.P.), India
ICAR-Directorate of Mushroom Research, Solan (HP)-173213, India
*(e-mail : sevanayak2005@gmail.com)
(Received : 15 May 2026; Accepted : 20 June 2026)
SUMMARY
Climate change threatens agricultural productivity, food security, and livestock sustainability through rising temperatures, irregular rainfall, droughts, and extreme weather events. El Niño conditions intensify these challenges by reducing rainfall, increasing moisture stress, and causing fodder shortages. Climate-resilient forage crops, especially C4 grasses, offer solutions through high photosynthetic efficiency, water-use efficiency, deep roots, and rapid regrowth. Species such as Cenchrus ciliaris, Dichanthium annulatum, Chloris gayana, and Megathyrsus maximus support fodder security and sustainable livestock production. Forage legumes improve soil fertility, nutrition, and ecosystem resilience. Integrating drought-tolerant forages, improved varieties, and climate- smart management practices strengthens livestock systems against future climate uncertainties.
Key words: Climate change, El Niño; forage crops, C4 plants, forage grasses, forage legumes