Fodder Raising make Dairy Farmers Rich

KVK Vellore, Tamil Nadu26

Majority of dairy farmers in Vellore district were small and marginal. Theyare depending on external source of feed which is readily available in theform of mixtures in market that lead to high maintenance cost and earns

low income from dairy farming. With this background, KVK Vellore introducedCumbu Napier Hybrid Fodder (Co (CN)4) grass during 2007-08. Special featuresof Co (CN)4 are profuse tillers of 25-30/clump, non lodging, ultra soft juicy stem(3.4 % brix), more leaf stem ratio, free from pest and diseases and superior rationingability.

KVK conducted a series of activities for about 2 years continuously whichincludes organization of both on and off campus training courses on productiontechnologies, supply of planting material as per the demand, organization offrontline demonstrations, organization of field days, group meetings, organizationof sensitization meetings and interface between scientists, extension personneland farmers for dissemination and adoption of Co (CN)4) as a fodder among dairyfarmers.

• Increased awareness and adoption of Co(CN)4 among the dairy farmers

• Introduced Co(CN)4 as an intercrop in coconut gardens and backyards by manydairy farmers throughout the district

• Improved knowledge, skill, decision making and socio-economic condi tion of dairyfarmers

• Increased average milk yield from 5.5 to 7.0 l/day/ animal

• Reduced 20-30% of ex ternal feed cost

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Within a short span of two years about 250 dairy farmers adopted this fodderin more than 21 ha in the district. Co (CN 4) gave a recorded yield of 340 t/ha/yearwith a net income of Rs 66155.

Dr P. Sumathi

Programme Coordinator

Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Virinjipuram

District Vellore-632 104

Email: kvkvrinjipuram@tnau.ac.in

sumathiperiyasamy@yahoo.co.in

Ph: 0416-2914453

0416-2211700 (R), M: 09487520817