Green fodder is an in dispensable dietary component of dairy animals. However, production of fodder has been limited owing to decreasing land size, intensive labour, pesticide requirement and water scarcity .

To solve these problems, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University has developed a method to grow fodder without soil, manure or pesticide and with minimal use of water. Called hydroponics, this technology requires about two to three litres of water to produce one kilo of fodder as against the conventional method where about 80 to 90 litres are used.This method also reduces growth time and not labour intensive, therefore, making it cost effective. The technology also enhances the nutritional value of cattle feed, increasing the production of better quality milk.

Conceptualised and developed at the University Research Farm in Madhavaram Milk Colony at a cost of `28.85 lakh, it was funded under the National Agriculture Development Programme. The successful project was rolled out in June this year.

P Tensingh Gnanaraj, professor and head, University Research Farm, said the institute has the facility to produce about one tonne of fodder in a week's time using the technology . So far, they have been able to produce maize, wheat, barley , cowpea and millets. “We produce about 1,000kg a day . All that it requires is water and nothing else. It is totally organic,“ said prof Gnanaraj. “The water used is also not wasted.We recycle it,“ he added.

Grown in compartment units, the fodder is free from dirt and dust. Hydroponics also removes dependence on vagaries of the weather: it can provide fodder yearround and will also remove the need of their storage...........Read more

Source web page: The Times of India