Interaction session to discuss issue, strategies for development of dairy farmers held
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 15 2015:
An interaction session between dairy farmers and CAU scientists on the theme 'Issue and strategies for development of dairy farmers of Manipur' under the aegis of Central Agricultural University (CAU) was held today at CAU Agriculture experimental farm, KVK, Andro.
Jointly organised by CAU Directorate of Research and All Manipur Milk Producers Co-operative Union Limited, the interactive session demonstrated the procedure of oat plantation which was being taken up widely at Andro under the All India Co-ordinated Research Project (AICRP) for Forage Crops, to the participating farmers today.
CAU AICRP (Forage Crops) scientist-in-charge Joseph Koireng, during his speech, detailed the health benefits of oats to cattle.
Oats, he said, could prove to be a balanced feed for cattle as the crop could survive the harshest of dry season and also for its high protein content.
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Oats are normally planted in early October.
The crops thus planted can be harvested within a period of just 60 days.
A healthy oat plant could yield up to 7 harvests during its lifetime (about 6 to 7 months), Joseph added.
A balanced feed for cattle, he added, must also include 25 per cent of green vegetables/grasses.
Manipur Milk Producers Co-operative Union Limited member Dr I Ibotombi said most dairy farmers, other than those living around Loktak area, suffer from want of cattle feed, especially in autumn season.
Welcoming Joseph's proposal to use oats as an alternative feed for cattle in dry season, Ibotombi said the Union would participate in wide plantation of oats from the following year to boost milk production in the State.