Kollam: Dairy farmers to cultivate fodder

KOLLAM: The dairy farmers in the district are into cultivation of high yield grass to beat ever increasing fodder prices. Some 160 hectare of land including wasteland will be converted into lush green through grass cultivation supported by the dairy development department. The farmers find it more profitable as it is less expensive and yields more milk compared to fodders available in the market.

The dairy development department has initiated grass cultivation in 13 block panchayats separating each into groups. Aiming at making the district self-sufficient in cattle feed production, the department offers opportunity for dairy farmers and the public to cultivate in the land allocated.

Subsidies will be granted for those who cultivate the grass in more than 20 cents of land for a term of three years. A registration fee of Rs 9 will be levied for each cent of land. The grass variety C-03 from Mall-appally and Ernakulam is provided for cultivation by the department. The harvest can be made within 45 days.

According to the department, soil test conducted in the district has revealed the land is suitable for grass cultivation. The department also aims at spreading cultivation in waste lands that would be beneficial for the dairy farmers.

The scarcity and hike in price of fodder have attracted farmers to cultivating grass in the district. The supply of hay from Tamil Nadu also declined with the subsequent decrease in paddy cultivation. The Kudumbasree and other milk cooperative societies see market for selling the grass with an estimated rate of Rs 5 – Rs 7 per kilogram of grass.