Fodder Development
Fodder: The Foundation of Livestock Health
Balanced nutrition is one of the most important factors that influence the health and productivity of livestock. The objective of improving milk production can be met only by ensuring the availability of good quality fodder in a balanced ratio. Green fodder being an economic source of nutrients for the dairy animals, it helps in maintaining good health and improving breeding efficiency of animals. Increased use of green fodder in the ration of animals will reduce cost of milk production, thereby increase the profit.
The demand for both green and dry fodder is increasing day by day. Livestock production is more efficient from cultivated fodder than from the fodder obtained from degraded grazing lands. Shrinkage of cultivable land under fodder is observed due to pressure on agricultural land for food and cash crops.
Limitations in fodder production
Limited availability of high yielding fodder varieties, lack of quality seeds of improved fodder varieties, poor quality of dry fodder, changing cropping pattern in favour of cash crops etc., are the major limitations in increasing the area under fodder crops. Besides, low priority efforts to invest in fodder production, lack of post-harvest management for surplus fodder, poor management of pasture lands and inadequate extension and manpower support for fodder development substantially increased the deficit situation of fodders.
To reduce the gap between demand and availability of green fodder, there is a need to improve green fodder yield through enhanced use of certified seeds / quality planting material of improved high yielding varieties of fodder crops. For ensuring year round green fodder production, it is essential that every dairy farm must preserve the surplus fodder either in the form of silage or hay. Further, the seasonal availability of green fodder necessitates preservation of fodder in order to feed the animals throughout the year. Initiatives of the Department for Sustainable fodder production The Department is focusing on augmenting fodder production
Department Initiatives for Sustainable Fodder Production
The Department is working to increase fodder production, conservation, and management to tackle shortages, especially during droughts and floods. Various State and Union schemes like the State Fodder Development Scheme (SFDS), National Livestock Mission (NLM), and National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) are being implemented to support this goal.
Key Initiatives
Awareness creation
Farmers are educated on the importance of balanced nutrition and green fodder through “Specialised Veterinary health care and Awareness camps” conducted at micro level.
Demonstration Programs
To promote balanced fodder cultivation, 100 demonstration units were set up in Salem, The Nilgiris, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, and Namakkal. These included high-yield fodder crops like Sorghum, Stylo, and Cowpea.
Commercial Fodder Production
- 150 acres of farmland in 7 districts were brought under Maize/Sorghum cultivation.
- Farmers received a 50% subsidy for cultivation costs (excluding harvesting).
- 712 MT of green fodder was procured at ₹3.50/kg, baled (11,700 bales), and stored for emergencies.
Rejuvenation of Meikkal / Grazing land
- 1,000 acres of grazing land were revived in 31 districts with an investment of ₹1.67 crore.
- Lands were cleared, divided into plots, and planted with tree fodders (Subabul, Neem, Velvel) and high-yield grass species.
- Grazing will be restricted in the first year to ensure proper growth.
Alternative Fodder (Azolla)
- Azolla is a nutritious and cost-effective fodder.
- 30,958 Azolla units were set up to help farmers reduce feed costs.
Hydroponic Fodder Production
- Due to low rainfall and shrinking farmland, hydroponic fodder provides a sustainable solution.
- 3,600 hydroponic units were established last year.
Silvipastoral System (Tree Fodder Farming)
- A model silvipasture was set up at Sheep Farm, Sattur (Virudhunagar district) to educate farmers on feeding tree fodders, pasture grasses, and legumes.
Fodder Preservation/Conservation Activities
Establishment of Silage Making units
To demonstrate the supply of green fodder throughout the year by preserving the green fodder produced in excess during monsoon season by the farmers themselves through Silage making and utilised during the lean period, 125 Silage making units are being established in the clusters identified by Department of Agriculture / Horticulture in Rainfed Area Development under National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) in 30 districts as a demonstrative unit in the farmers’ field at an outlay of Rs. 1.17crore.
Conservation by minimizing wastage
It is reported that about 15- 20% of the offered fodder was not taken by the animals and beingwasted when it is fed as a whole fodder. Hence, chaffing is essential to minimize the fodder wastage. Keepingin view of the constraints in fodder production and usage, emphasis is given for efficient utilization of available fodder by minimizing the wastage through distribution of 1,000 Nos. of Chaff cutters to the livestock farmers at 75 % subsidy.
Promotion of Farm Mechanization
Fodder production and utilization are labour intensive, time consuming and is considered as high energy intensive operation. Most of the fodder crops are multi-cut and has to be fed to animals in high volume. Appropriate mechanization in fodder harvesting is essential to optimize the fodder production and increase productivity per unit area. To reduce drudgery in farm operation and making farm work more attractive 2,500 numbers of grass cutters were distributed to farmers at 75% subsidy for harvesting the fodder crops.
Fodder Development in Departmental Farms
The departmental farms ensure timely production and supply of green fodder, fodder slips, fodder tree saplings and vermicompost to farmers at a reasonable cost. Green fodder is mainly propagated through slips / rooted slips. The major fodder cultivated in our State is Bajra Napier Hybrid grass. Due to the persistent efforts of the department over the years, the concept of fodder slip propagation has been popularized among the farmers. This has promoted production and supply / exchange of quality fodder slips among the farmers themselves. Further, a Baler unit was procure data cost of Rs.9.50 Lakh for District Livestock Farm, Chettinadu and green fodder produced during cropping season are harvested, baled and stored for utilization by the needy farms during lean period. During 2021-22, an area of 965 acres was brought under fodder cultivation in 12 departmental farms. Around 18,500 MT of green fodder were produced and 28.19 lakh nos. of fodder slips were distributed to the needy farmers at subsidized cost during last year.
Through all these fodder development measures the department has successfully driven home the concept of fodder cultivation in farmers’ own land, Meikkal land and also promotes commercial fodder production which over a period of time would significantly reduce the demand-supply gap of fodder in the State.
Schemes Implemented During 2024-2025
Enchancing fodder availability in the state through meikkal land development by engaging self help groups at the outlay of 2.33 crore
Project description
- On a pilot basis ,5 acres of meikkal land suitable for fodder cultivation are identified in the selected village of 5 districts namely cuddalore,villupuram,salem,thiruvannamalai and kanyakumari.
- High biomass yielding fodder crops will be propagated through SHGs which will be utilized by the group members and the excess will be distributed to local farmers at subsidized rate.
Project outcome
About 3500 MT of green fodder will be produced from 25 acres over 3 years.
Intensive green fodder cultivation in farmers land under irrigated condition at outlay of 1.55 crore
Project description
- 2,000 acres of farmland will be cultivated with multi-cut cereal fodder (Sorghum CO(Fs)29 & CO(Fs)31) and leguminous fodder (Desmanthus) under irrigation.
- Fodder seeds will be produced in departmental farms and supplied to farmers. If needed, additional seeds will be procured from National Seeds Corporation, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, or other government agencies.
- Fertilizers will be sourced from TANFED, and farmers will receive support for intercultural operations.
Project outcome
About 1.20 LMT of green fodder will be produced annually.
Augmentation of fodder production under Rainfed condition at outlay of 1.55 crore
Project description
- It is proposed to distribute seeds of short duration fodder crops sorghum (single cut)and cowpea to augment green fodder production in rainfed areas. It is proposed to bring 5000 acres across the state under rainfed fodder cultivation.
- The Farmers selected under this component will be provided with leguminous fodder cowpea to be intercropped with cereal fodder sorghum to ensure balance nutritive feeding The cultivation of fodder admixed with legumes enhances fodder palatability and digestibility .
- For 0.5 acres, farmers will be provided with 6 kg of sorghum seeds and 2 kg of cowpea seeds, along with the cost of fertilizers.
Project outcome
About 0.50 LMT of green fodder will be made available to the animals.
Distribution of 3000 power driven chaff cutters to small and marginal farmers at 50%subsidy at the total cost of 5.00 crore
Project description
- It is proposed to distribute 3000 units of Power Driven chaff cutters(2HP) at 50% subsidy to small and marginal farmers having 0.5 cents of fodder land and 2 Adult Cattle units.
Project outcome
Wastage of fodder can be reduced upto 40%.By feeding of chaffed fodder to the animal will help in easy digestion,thus help to increase in productivity.
Augmenting fodder production through Inter cropping in established Plantations / Orchards at outlay of 2.00crore
Project description
- To encourage orchard growing farmers to cultivate fodder as intercrop, it is proposed to give incentive of Rs.3000/acre for cultivating perennial fodder in between the main crop.
- Around 5,000 acres are to be brought intercropping cultivation.
Project outcome
Around 5.56 LMT of green fodder will be produced annually.
Augmentation of fodder production in unutilized 100 acres farm land at District livestock farm, Chettinadu, Sivagangai at the cost of 5.00 crore
Project description
- It is proposed to cultivate green fodder in 100 acres of uncultivated farm land. (Fodder Sorghum- 50 acres and Co4/Co5- 50 acres).
- The fodder produced will be utilized for animals stocked in the farm.(Fodder Sorghum- 50 acres and Co4/Co5- 50 acres).
- Excess fodder will be preserved as silage bales and utilized during lean period and natural calamities including droughts /floods etc.
Project outcome
43,800 bales and 1825 MT of green fodder will be produced every year for 5 years.
Training on Improved Strategies for Fodder Production at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore
Project description
- It is proposed to provide training for 120 officials for a duration of 3 days in three batches at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore on latest technology on forage production
Project outcome
To strengthen the knowledge on improved the forage and their production strategies.
Eligibility - Fodder Development
| S.No | Scheme Name & Details | Eligibility | Details to be submitted by the applicant | Mode of Application (Department website/ E-service center/ Directly) | Liason officer Post | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Augmenting fodder production through intercropping in established plantations/orchards at a cost of 2.00 crores
Intercropping of perennial forage grasses along with perennial legume forage in plantation garden/orchards make a superior of balanced cattle feed.Hence,it is proposed to take up fodder cultivation of high yielding fodder crops like cumbu napier ,Sorghum COFS29, leucerne, desmanthus as intercrop in the plantations/orchards by providing incentives of Rs.3000/acre for 2024-25 in 5000 acres for first year and for farmers who cultivated fodder as intercropping in their orchards/plantation in the last year Rs.1500/acre in 2000 acres . |
Farmers who own animals, having well established plantation /orchards with irrigation facility and are willing to take up cultivation of fodder crops of farmers choice as intercrop in 0.5 acres to 2.5 acres under irrigated condition and willing to maintain for at least 3 years will be eligible Small, Marginal farmers and women farmers, especially SC/ST farmers will be given priority |
The farmers should submit the online patta and adangal from VAO and submit an application about the crop raised details along with the patta and adangal copy. The farmer should also submit a copy of their bank pass book showing account no and IFSC code and photograph and Aadhaar card |
The farmers can directly apply to the concerned veterinary assistant surgeon (VAS) | Respective Veterinary Assistant Surgeon/ Assistant Director /Deputy Director(CBFD)/ Regional Joint Director of Animal Husbandry | |
| 2 |
Distribution of 3000 power driven chaff cutter to 3000 small and marginal farmers at 50% subsidy at a cost of 5.00 crores Feeding chaffed fodder to the animal will aid in minimizing the fodder wastage. Inorder, to reduce the drudgery in farm operation and conserve the fodder through minimizing the wastage, it is proposed to distribute 3000 numbers of power Driven chaff cutters by providing 50%subsidy to the farmers at an outlay of Rs.5.00 crores. |
The farmers who own minimum of 2 animals or 2ACUs(Adult cattle unit-20sheeps/goats) and 0.5 acre of fodder cultivation with electricity facilities will be eligible. The farmer should not have availed this kind of benefit in any of the Government Schemes in the past 10 years Small, Marginal farmers and women farmers, especially SC/ST farmers will be given priority |
The farmer should submit the adangal for the cultivation of fodder crop cultivation The farmer should also submit a copy of their bank pass book showing account no and IFSC code and photograph and Aadhaar card |
The farmers can directly get the application from the nearby veterinary dispensary or Veterinary Assistant Surgeon. | Concerned Veterinary Assistant Surgeon/Assistant Director, Deputy Director(CBFD), Regional Joint Director of Animal Husbandry. | |
| 3 |
Augmentation of green fodder cultivation in 5000 acres of farmers lands under rainfed conditions with a budget outlay of Rs.1.55 crores It is proposed to distribute short duration fodder crops sorghum (single cut) and cowpea to augument green fodder production in rainfed areas. Energy rich cereal fodder crop supplemented with proteinaceous forage legue significantly increase overall animal productivity. Seeds of fodder sorghumCo(FS)27(single cut) at the rate of 6kg/0.5 acres and fodder cowpea 2kg/0.5 acres will be suppliedfree of cost and the cost towards fertilizer will be given to farmers at the rate Rs.600/0.5 acres |
Farmers who own milch animals and have land with no irrigation facilities and are willing to take up fodder cultivation under rainfed conditions.
The small and marginal farmers will be given the preference. For farmers who possess more number of cattle,multiple unit of 50 cents can be considered.However, it will be limited to one hectare per individual farmer |
The farmers should submit the online patta and adangal from VAO and submit an application about the crop raised details along with the patta and adangal copy. The farmer should also submit a copy of their bank pass book showing account no and IFSC code and a copy of photograph and Aadhaar card. |
The farmers can directly apply to the concerned veterinary assistant surgeon (VAS). | Concerned Veterinary Assistant Surgeon/Assistant Director, Deputy Director(CBFD), Regional Joint Director of Animal Husbandry. | |
| 4 |
Intensive green fodder cultivation in 2000 acres of farmers’ lands under irrigated condition with a budget outlay of Rs 1.10 crores It is proposed to cultivate fodder sorghum and desman thus in 2000 acres of irrigated land of farmers at a total cost of Rs1.10 crores. Seeds of Multicut Co(FS)29 will be supplied free of cost at the rate of 0.375 kg /0.25 acresand Desmanthes 0.500 kg/0.25 acres. Rs.500/0.25 acres towards fertilizer cost and Rs.200/0.25 acres towards intercultural operation will be given to farmer |
Farmers who ownminimum of 2 animals,having land with irrigation facility and are willing to take up cultivation of fodder crops in 0.25 acre to 1.00 acre under irrigated condition and willing to maintain it for at least 3 years will be selected. Farmers,who possess leased land with a lease agreement for aperiod of minimum 3 years and willing to maintain fodder plots for at least 3 years under irrigated condition also eligible |
The farmers should submit the online patta and adangal from VAO and submit an application about the crop raised details along with the patta and adangal copy. The farmer should also submit a copy of their bank pass book showing account no and IFSC code and a copy of photograph and Aadhaar card. |
The farmers can directly apply to the concerned veterinary assistant surgeon(VAS). | Concerned Veterinary Assistant Surgeon/Assistant Director, Deputy Director(CBFD), Regional Joint Director of Animal Husbandry. | |
| 5 |
Enhancing fodder availability in the state through Meikkal land development by engaging self help groups with a budget out lay of 2.33 cores
(2023-2024 scheme)
Estimated total project cost for 25 acres (for 5 districts Rs5 acres per district) is Rs.2.33 crores. Out of this the cost towards creation of resources in the meikkal land and essential inputs like slips, manures and Fertilizers to be made available to the selected SHGs at free of cost to take up fodder production |
Interested Self help groups should enter into a MOU with Department of Animal Husbandry to cultivate fodder in Meikkal lands | Self-help groups should submit lette of interest and application and MOU has to be signed | Application and letter of interest to be given to Deputy Director/Assistant Director of animal husbandry | Concerned Veterinary Assistant Surgeon/Assistant Director, Deputy Director(CBFD), Regional Joint Director of Animal Husbandry. |