Strategies for optimizing the grass cover of Punjab for fodder production

Punjab faces shortage of fodder which gets more acute during premonsoon summer season and winter months. In view of ever-increasing demand for food grains, diverting arable lands to fodder production is not feasible. The alternative is to enhance fodder production from non- arable areas. Among various types of fodder plant species, grasses comprise the most important group as they survive and spread even in conditions of biotic and abiotic stress. A high output of propagules and efficient methods of dispersal are other arguments in their favour. We report on the remarkable habitat diversity and mechanisms of dispersal of grasses in Punjab. Grass species occupy every conceivable habitat in the study area. Facilitated propagation of grasses in rangelands and other vacant lands is recommended for fodder production.