| ICAR-Central Institute for Women in Agriculture, Bhubaneswar organized a series of 10 collaborative Training Programmes (three-day training) on ‘Fodder Promotion and Conservation Technology for Improving Livestock Productivity’ from 18 November 2024 to 25 April 2025 in association with Veterinary Officer's training Institute (VOTI), Fishery and Animal Resources Development Department (FARD), Bhubaneswar, Govt. of Odisha. Government of Odisha (2018-19) reported to have a shortfall of 39.6% for green fodder and 46.5% for dry fodder and only 4.26% of total cultivated land is being used for fodder production, indicating that most of the livestock in Odisha remained underfed. Efforts are being made for revolutionary changes in fodder cultivation through Mukhya Mantri Kamdhenu Yojana by ICAR-CIWA in collaboration with Govt. of Odisha for empowering women, the real workers in livestock sector. The training programmes were organised with the objective to enhance and update the knowledge of fodder staff and paravets of Govt. of Odisha about cultivation and conservation of green fodder following scientific methodologies and to empower the women farmers having a predominant role in feeding and management of dairy animals. Dr. Mridula Devi, Director, ICAR-CIWA urged the participants to build a fodder task force for the propagation of fodder in the field, developing gochar land through SHGs/FPOs at the panchayat level, emphasizing gender sensitization for empowering women in livestock production. Dr Biswanath Sahoo, Coordinator of the programme detailed the objectives, mission and work plan of the trainings on fodder promotion. Dr Hadibandhu Bhoi, Chief Executive Officer, Odisha Livestock Resources Development Society and Dr Rajeev Sharma, Dy. Director, VOTI graced the inaugural programme and appreciated the activities of ICAR-CIWA in promoting fodder cultivation in Odisha. Dr Sukant Kumar Sarangi, Head, Agricultural Technology for Women, ICAR-CIWA suggested for application of scientific technologies and agronomical package of practices of fodder based ecosystem. |
| The series of three days training pogrammes covered various aspects viz. mainstreaming gender equity for enhanced livestock productivity, feed and fodder production through seasonal & perennial fodder cultivation practices in different Agro-Climatic Zones of Odisha, effective management of fodder during the scarcity period through post-harvest management of green biomass - hay & silage making, azolla cultivation as alternative green fodder to boost up livestock productivity. Feed Block, baling, total mixed ration and pelleted feed preparation and application, low cost grain sprout production through hydroponic technique along with demonstration and hands on training were imparted to the trainees. Different agronomic package of practices on seasonal and perennial fodder cultivation for green fodder production and utilization through various models, plantation of perennial fodder, tree fodder in Silvi-Horti Pastoral Livestock system were practically demonstrated to the participants. Issues and approaches in fodder development highlighting the Schemes and Programme implemented by Govt. aiming self-sufficiency in fodder production was also detailed for effective implementation of these schemes. A total of 320 trainees (82 female and 238 male) participated in the 10 training programmes during 2024–25. Dr Dillip Das and Dr. Sunil Kumar Pradhan, Joint Directors, VOTI during the 10 batches of training programme graced the different programmes and encouraged the paravets and fodder officers to establish linkage with ICAR-CIWA for the benefit of stakeholders and women farmers working in animal husbandry sector. |
