The Hindu : National : Fodder varieties identified for drough-prone areas

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Saturday, May 13, 2006

National

National

Fodder varieties identified for drough-prone areas

Special Correspondent

Cheapest source of nutrients for dairy animals

NEW DELHI : The Indian Council of Agricultural Research has identified three short duration fast-growing green fodder varieties. The ICS 9901(Bundel Sen Ghas-1), IGC 9903 (Bundel Phulkara Grass 1) and pearl millet variety AVKB-19 (Dual Purpose) are the cheapest source of nutrients to dairy animals. These varieties have been developed by the Jhansi-based Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute.

The ICS 9901 is consistently superior in both green fodder and dry matter yield. It is suitable for cultivation in semi-arid, tropical and sub-tropical areas during kharif season as a perennial crop and considered suitable for poor and marginal farmers and for community grazing lands. It is tolerant to defoliators and responsive to recommended agronomical practices.

The average yield under normal conditions is approximately 183 quintals per hectare (green fodder yield) and 47 q/ha (dry fodder yield). It matures in 120-150 days and flowering starts at the end of monsoon i.e. October.

The IGC 9903 is an important perennial crop with wide occurrence in tropical and sub-tropical regions during the kharif season. It is a high yielding crop suitable for poor degraded soil and for soil binding purposes. It is a high yielding forage variety with improved quality and tolerance to major pests and diseases. The maturity period is the same as the ICS 9901 and the average yield under normal conditions is approximate 264 q/ha (green fodder yield) and 66 q/ha (dry fodder yield).

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