Srinagar, May 01: The hydroponic fodder structures are revolutionizing the agricultural scenario in Jammu and Kashmir with the innovative systems poised to elevate the UT’s livestock management to unprecedented levels of efficiency and productivity.
Traditionally, fodder cultivation in J&K has been constrained by geographical limitations, seasonal variations, and water scarcity. However, with the advent of hydroponic fodder structures, these challenges are being swiftly overcome.
Hydroponics, a soil-less farming technique, involves cultivating fodder in a controlled environment using water enriched with essential nutrients.
An official from Animal Husbandry Department told Rising Kashmir that the implementation of hydroponic fodder structures marks a paradigm shift in the approach towards fodder production. By harnessing cutting-edge technology and scientific principles, farmers can now cultivate high-quality green fodder throughout the year, independent of climatic conditions, he said.
“It not only ensures a consistent and reliable food supply for livestock but also mitigates the impact of fodder scarcity during harsh winters and dry spells”, he added.
He said that one of the key advantages of hydroponic fodder cultivation is its efficiency in resource utilization. Compared to traditional methods, hydroponics requires very less land, water, and time to produce a greater volume of fodder. “This eco-friendly approach aligns with sustainability goals while optimizing resource allocation for enhanced agricultural productivity”.
He further said that the hydroponic fodder structures offer a tailored solution to the nutritional needs of livestock. The controlled environment allows for the customization of fodder composition to ensure optimal levels of proteins, vitamins, and minerals essential for animal health and growth which not only improves livestock productivity but also reduces the reliance on costly supplementary feed additives.
He said that since the adoption of hydroponic fodder structures in J&K, it garnered widespread acclaim from agricultural experts, policymakers, and farming communities alike.
Recognizing its transformative potential, government initiatives and support programs have been initiated to promote the widespread adoption of this technology across the UT, he added.
Training workshops, subsidies, and technical assistance are being provided to facilitate the seamless integration of hydroponic fodder systems into existing farming practices, he said.
The official said that the hydroponic fodder structures extends beyond immediate agricultural benefits. “By strengthening the resilience of livestock husbandry against climatic uncertainties and fodder shortages, these systems will contribute to food security, income generation, and sustainable rural development”.
The adoption of modern farming techniques will enhance the competitiveness of J&K’s agricultural sector in regional and global markets”, he added.
He also said that in 2023, an Apex committee devised a comprehensive plan under HADP, which amounted to ₹ 129.05 crore, to mitigate the fodder shortfall in the UT by 80 per cent. The primary objective of the program was to augment the agricultural and livestock sectors and equip farmers with vital resources such as financial assistance, improved seeds and technical guidance to amplify productivity, profitability, and overall economic progress of the area.
The annual requirement for green fodder in Jammu and Kashmir is approximately 139 lakh metric tons, while the dry fodder requirement is around 58.53 lakh metric tons. Unfortunately, the availability of green and dry fodder is insufficient to meet the demand.
In particular, there is a deficit of 40.93 per cent in fodder availability in the region, with a higher deficit of 48.63 per cent in the Kashmir division compared to 32.27 per cent in the Jammu division. Only 4 per cent of the total cultivable land is under fodder production at present.
Each year, Jammu and Kashmir imports a significant amount of animal feed with 9,000 metric tons of feed, 10,000 metric tons of green fodder and 5,000 metric tons of dry fodder being imported which results in a substantial loss to the exchequer. However, with the implementation of Hydroponic Green fodder under Holistic Agriculture Development Program, the region can potentially create better livelihood opportunities for farmers, improving the socio-economic conditions of the people.
