Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh’s Visit to ICAR-IGFRI: A Call for Sustainable Fodder Solutions
Introduction
Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Union Minister for Fishery, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, visited IGFRI (Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute) in Jhansi on April 5th, 2025. His visit was a significant initiative aimed at enhancing research efforts to address the nation’s agricultural challenges, particularly the national green fodder deficit of 11%.
Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh’s Comments
Mr. Singh expressed concern over the existing green fodder deficit, estimating it at 11%. He stressed the need for technology-driven interventions to tackle this challenge. The current agricultural landscape is underutilized: with about 85 million hectares cultivated as fodder but nearly 100 million hectares of grasslands and an estimated 90 million hectares of wastelands. These vast underused lands hold immense potential, crucial for sustainable grassland management and self-reliance.
Mr. Singh commended IGFRI’s research capabilities, particularly their work in technologies like livestock-based Integrated Farming Systems (IFS), apomictic breeding with perennial grasses, specialized machinery, seed standards, and drone technology. These innovations are essential for improving farming efficiency and re rejuvenating degraded land areas.
Key Technologies Discussed
- ** livestock-based IFS:** Tailored systems designed for all farmer categories to ensure genetic uniformity and sustainability.
- Apomictic Breeding: The use of perennial grasses, which are tolerant to abiotic stress, to enhance genetic consistency in fodder production.
- Specialized Fodder Farm Machinery: Focus on minimizing manual labor through advanced farming machinery.
- Seed Standards and Certification: Robust systems for ensuring the quality of forage crops.
- Drones for Grassland Rejuvenation: Advanced seed pellet technology to efficiently rejuvenate land, even on a large scale.
Funding and Collaboration
Mr. Singh highlighted the importance of funding from state-level convergence initiatives, exemplified by efforts in Kerala’s coconut orchards as a model for regional integration. The aim was to leverage diverse locations for better adaptation of technologies, fostering a more resilient livestock sector.
Future Goals
The visit marked the beginning of IGFRI’s commitment to advancing research and practical solutions. The ministers plan to disseminate these technologies throughKrishna Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) across states. Their goals are to build a resilient livestock sector, drive sustainable grassland improvement, and promote the Atmanirbhar Krishi and Pashupalan.
Conclusion
Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh’s visit underscored the critical role of technology in overcoming agricultural challenges. IGFRI’s research and collaboration aim to address these issues, contributing significantly to rural development. The minister’s commitment to fostering a resilient sector reflects a broader vision for sustainable agriculture in India.
This blog provides an overview of Mr. Singh’s visit, highlighting the importance of technology and collaboration in achieving sustainable solutions.