Status of fodder production in the existing farming systems in Muzaffarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh

The survey was conducted to assess the status of fodder production in Muzaffarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh. Twenty households were selected randomly for the study. The information was gathered through village survey using semi structured interview schedules. The results of study revealed that, developed fodder production techniques are not adopted well by the farmers. Sugarcane based mono cropping system is being practiced resulting reduced forage availability. Fodder area with respect to land holding size was higher in marginal farmers (35.19%) and was lower in case of large farmers (8.10%). The total numbers of animals in medium farmers were highest, while lowest among the small farmers. The total milk production and consumption was higher in large farmers compared to medium, small and marginal farmers. Sale of milk was lower in marginal farmer than other categories of farmers. During scarcity period sugarcane tops is used as fodder to animals. Majority of the farmers (72%) are sowing fodder crops through broadcasting method. The green fodder yield of sorghum, bajra and Napier were highest in marginal farmers than small, medium and large farmers. On the other hand green fodder yield of cowpea was higher in small and medium farmers when compared with marginal and large farmers. Forty eight per cent of farmers reported that area under fodder production is decreasing. Most of the farmers cut their fodder crops nearly by the ground surface (5 cm height). Large number of farmers (84%) reported that they are applying urea after each cut in the fodder crops. Besides, farmers also reported that low price of fodder, poor quality seed, insects and pests are the major constraints in fodder production. Therefore, there is need of diversification of existing cropping systems to augment the fodder availability to huge livestock population.