National Group Meeting of All India Coordinated Research Project (Forage Crops & Utilization) Organized

16-17 May, 2016, Srinagar

National Group Meeting Kharif 2016 of All India Coordinated Research Project (Forage Crops & Utilization) was organized at SKUAST-K, Srinagar (May 16-17, 2016).

Prof. Nazeer Ahmed, Vice-Chancellor in his inaugural address emphasized on the fact that livestock production and agriculture has been complementary since long and are crucial for overall food security and stability. In J&K state, it is the backbone of rural economy as almost all farming households are either wholly or partially dependent on the livestock – pasture as one of their component of livelihood.

Dr. A. K. Roy, Project Coordinator, AICRP-FCU presented the brief account of AICRP project and forage-livestock scenario in J&K. He also highlighted the activities undertaken by the project during the Kharif 2015.

Speaking at the occasion, Dr. J. S. Chouhan, ADG (Seeds), ICAR, highlighted the importance of forages in the nutrition security and livelihood. He further said the acerage under forages is difficult to increase hence; efforts should be made to increase productivity and explore new niches. He also suggested revisiting the information on area and production of pasture and fodder resources of the country, in general and forests and hilly terraces in particular.

The guest of Honour, Dr. I.S. Solanki, ADG (FFC), ICAR, urged to develop nutritionally superior varieties of forage crops especially range grasses and legumes and their dissemination to farmers’ field. He also reiterated the role of pre- breeding as well as participatory varietal development and seed production to match the seed requirement.

Ten publications including the Annual Report and extension bulletin in regional languages were released. The meeting also identified one variety of cowpea (TNFC-0924) proposed by TNAU, Coimbatore for NE Zone. It also recommended forage crop production and protection technologies for adoption.

The meeting consisted of ten technical sessions in which, the results based on last year’s technical programme were presented and discussed. Technical programmes for 2016-17 were formulated in discipline wise concurrent sessions and finalised in the plenary session.

More than 120 forage scientists, experts and practitioners from public (SAUs & ICAR) and private (Seed companies) institutions participated in the meeting. More than 100 local farmers were present and interacted with the scientists.

Sri Sundeep Kumar Nayak, IAS, Principal Secretary (Agriculture, Government of J&K) was chief guest during the plenary session. He assured the delegates that the recommendations for J&K will be implemented for development of livestock- agriculture component of J&K.

Dr A. K. Roy, Project coordinator proposed vote of thanks.

(Source: AICRP on Forage Crops, IGFRI, Jhansi)