Importance and scope of fodder production in Nepal || Assistant Prof. Boby Basnet.

PRESENT STATUS OF FODDER PRODUCTION IN NEPAL.
Feed resources in Nepal
Crop residue: rice straw, wheat straw, maize stover, pulses residue, oil crop residue, maize cobs, sugarcane tops, and bagasse
Crop grains: maize, wheat soybean, barley
crop grain by- products: broken rice, rice bran, wheat bran, barley bran, soybean cake, mustard cake, and molasses
Green forage
Agricultural land contributes about 60% of the total DM requirement.
Forest and grass land contributes 40 percent.
Nepalese livestock are under fed at least by 33 percent.
The estimated total fodder production is about 6.1 million tons TDN; which meets only 64 per cent fodder requirement of the livestock (Pariyar, 2004).
Feed Situation: Hills: -56% ; Terai: -42% and mountains: +26%
Pastureland-12%, Forest-39.6% (Krishi Dairy, 2081)

1. Fodder Production and Pasture Management 2(1+1) Boby Basnet Assistant Professor/Animal Science `

2. TERMINOLOGIES

3. Forage includes both fodder and pasture crops . Fodder crops: Plants which are cultivated as forage crops, and they are cut and fed to animals in the stalls. Examples: Ipil-Ipil, Fodder maize. 2. Pasture crops: Grass and legumes were grown in the pasturelands where the animals are led to graze them. Examples: Cowpea, Spear grass, Marvel grass, R ye grass

4. Browse: Leaf and twig growth of shrubs, woody vines, trees, cacti, and other non-herbaceous vegetation available for animal consumption. Herbage: The biomass of herbaceous plants, other than separated grain, generally above ground but including edible roots and tubers. Forb: Any herbaceous broadleaf plant that is not a grass and is not grass-like. Legume: Members of the plant family Fabaceae. Grass: Members of the plant family Poaceae. Grass-like: Vegetation that is similar to grass in appearance and is usually a member of the plant family Cyperaceae (sedges) or Juncaceae (rushes). Pasturelands are distinguished from rangelands by being managed through more intensive agricultural practices of seeding, irrigation, and the use of fertilizers. Rangelands grow primarily native vegetation, managed with extensive practices like controlled burning and regulated intensity of grazing.

5. PRESENT STATUS OF FODDER PRODUCTION IN NEPAL F eed resources in Nepal C rop residue: rice straw, wheat straw, maize stover, pulses residue, oil crop residue, maize cobs, sugarcane tops, and bagasse C rop grains: maize, wheat soybean, barley crop grain by- products: broken rice, rice bran, wheat bran, barley bran, soybean cake, mustard cake, and molasses G reen forage Agricultural land contributes about 60% of the total DM requirement. F orest and grass land contributes 40 percent. Nepalese livestock are under fed at least by 33 percent. The estimated total fodder production is about 6.1 million tons TDN; which meets only 64 per cent fodder requirement of the livestock ( Pariyar , 2004). Feed Situation: Hills: -56% ; Terai: -42% and mountains: +26% Pastureland-12%, Forest-39.6% (Krishi Dairy, 2081)

6. Importance of Fodder Production in Nepal 1. Livestock Nutrition Quality Feed: For their nutritional value, improving the health and productivity of livestock. Seasonal Availability: Ensures a steady supply of feed throughout the year, reducing reliance on seasonal grazing. 2. Economic Stability Income Generation: Fodder availability can lead to higher meat and milk production, boosting farmer incomes. Employment Opportunities: Creates jobs in farming, processing, and transportation, supporting local economies.

7. 3. Soil Conservation Erosion Control: Especially in mountainous regions where steep slopes are prone to landslides. Soil Fertility: Like legumes, improve soil fertility by fixing nitrogen, which benefits subsequent crops. 4. Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health Crop Diversity: Introducing various fodder species helps maintain agricultural biodiversity, lead to more resilient farming systems. Habitat for Wildlife: Provide habitats for various species, contributing to ecosystem balance. 5. Sustainability Local Feed Production: Reduces dependency on imported feeds, lowering costs and increasing self-sufficiency. Waste Recycling: Utilization of agricultural residues and by-products as fodder enhances resource efficiency and waste management.

8. SCOPE OF FODDER PRODUCTION IN NEPAL 1. Diverse Agro -Climatic Zones Both temperate and tropical fodder crops can be cultivated. Enables year-round production and can enhance livestock nutrition. 2. Livestock Sector Growth As the demand for dairy and meat increases, need for quality fodder to support livestock health and productivity is also increasing. Improved fodder availability can enhance milk yield and meat quality. 3. Integration with Farming Systems Integrated into existing crop farming systems, providing additional income and improving soil health through crop rotation and intercropping.

9. 4. Use of Improved Varieties Potential for the introduction of high-yielding and nutritious fodder varieties, including legumes and grasses, which can boost fodder production and livestock performance. 5. Climate Resilience Fodder crops can be part of climate-smart agricultural practices, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change and ensuring food security for livestock. 6. Government and NGO Support Various government initiatives and NGOs promote fodder production through training, subsidies, and research, which can enhance productivity and accessibility. 7. Market Opportunities The growing urban population increases the demand for dairy products, creating market opportunities for farmers engaged in fodder production. 8. Export Potential With the right investment and quality control, there could be opportunities to export fodder or processed products to neighboring countries.

10. OBSTACLES TO FODDER PRODUCTION IN NEPAL 1. Limited Arable Land Competition for land with food crops. Small landholding sizes restrict fodder cultivation. 2. Lack of Knowledge and Training Lack access to information on improved fodder practices. Limited training on the benefits of high-yield and nutritious fodder varieties. 3. Inadequate Infrastructure Insufficient storage facilities lead to post-harvest losses. 4. Climate Change Impacts A ffect fodder crop yields. Droughts and floods can disrupt growing seasons.

11. 5. Resource Limitations Limited access to quality seeds and inputs (fertilizers, irrigation). Financial constraints prevent investment in improved practices. 6. Pest and Disease Management Fodder crops can be susceptible to pests and diseases. Root rot of Berseem, Stalk Rot of maize, Fall ar my worm etc. 7. Market Challenges Unstable prices for fodder crops discourage production. Limited market opportunities for selling fodder or forage products. 8 . Policy and Support Gaps Insufficient government policies specifically promoting fodder production. Limited support from agricultural extension services.

12. https://www.setopati.com/blog/332983 नेपालमा पशु पोषण एवं आहाराको अवस्था के छ? https://english.onlinekhabar.com/revitalizing-animal-husbandry-in-nepal-enhancing-feed-management-infrastructure-and-productivity-for-sustainable-growth.html