Workshop calls for sustainable fodder, livestock farming
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 19 2025: Veterinary & Animal Husbandry secretary Michael Achom, on Tuesday, urged for greater collaboration among government agencies, farmers and entrepreneurs to make fodder cultivation and animal husbandry profitable and sustainable in the state.

Speaking as chief guest at a one-day state-level workshop on "Fodder Resource Development Plan for Manipur", organised by All India Coordinated Research Project on Forage Crops & Utilisation, College of Agriculture (CAU) Imphal, Michael emphasised that the state must aim to become self-sufficient in fodder resources.

He noted that while the state has the potential for successful fodder cultivation, coordination among the department, farmers and entrepreneurs remains weak.

"Everyone is working in their own way, but the level of collaboration is low," he said and stressed that with proper planning and policy, the fodder sector could create jobs, boost economic resources and support livestock farmers in both the hills and plains.

Highlighting the need for regulated use of local long grasses and systematic de velopment of fodder resources, Michael said that animal husbandry, particularly dairy farming, could be transformed into a profitable sector.

He called for joint efforts by the agriculture and veterinary departments, entrepreneurs and all stakeholders, adding that collaboration with CAU would help develop the sector scientifically.

The secretary cautioned that without self-sufficiency in fodder, farmers and entrepreneurs would struggle to sustain businesses by relying on supplies from outside the state.

He also urged stakeholders to utilise government schemes offering capital and cultivation subsidies, while pointing out that an analysis of the gap between fodder demand and production is necessary.

He informed that the 21st livestock census has been completed and its findings are under review by the ministry.

Stating that a high-level task force for the fodder mission has already been set up by the state government, the secretary revealed his plans to propose closer collaboration with CAU members.

CAU dean of college Dr N Brajendra, and director of research Dr LM Garnayak attended the event as president and guest of honour respectively.

KVK heads from various districts, ICAR scientists, line department experts, CAU faculty members, milk unions, pony associations, FPOs and dairy farmers participated in the event.

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