Forage genetic resources in Orissa and their conservation

This paper deals with distribution of forages viz., 224 species of legumes and 268 species of grasses in Orissa. The distribution of tropical/subtropical/temperate species has been discussed. The causes of genetic erosion, notes on rare/threatened/endemic species have also been dealt with in detail. Conservation aspect of rare species and important forage species for improvement of grasslands/rangelands has been highlighted. In-situ conservation of Cajanus cajanifolia, Rhynchosia hainesiana, Rhynchosia suaveolens, Dimeria orissae, Themeda mooneyi, Mucuna minima has been suggested. Conservation and domestication of Stylosanthes fruticosa which is the only species available in India for pasture development have been highlighted.