Facing fodder shortage in the country, Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh on Friday said the government would bring out a national fodder policy to boost domestic production. He stressed that a law, prohibiting the burning of crop residues on field to increase fodder availability and protect the environment, was the need the hour.
“Fodder sources in India are from crop residues, cultivated fodder, forages and forests, permanent pastures and grazing lands. At present, India is facing a deficit of 35.6 per cent green fodder and 10.9 per cent of dry fodder,” Singh said while inaugurating the 23rd International Grassland Congress in the national Capital.
He said despite the shortage of fodder, India is the world’s largest milk producer with 138 million tonnes of output. “It is imperative for the nation to produce food not only to feed its more than one billion population but also for an equal number of livestock,” the minister added. Singh said, “We will come up with a national fodder policy to address shortage. Law should be made to stop crop burning as this would help in not only increase fodder supply but protect environment as well.”