Government policies for feed and fodder development in India

The country is largest producer of milk in the world (19% of world's milk production) targeted to produce 300 million ton by 2024. In fact, the contribution of feed and fodder is "pto 50% towards livestock productivity and production. The cereals crop residues i.e. wheat, rice and coarse cereals straws/hay contribute about 71% of overall feed resources used for animal feeding green fodder 23% and concentrated feeds accounts 6% only. India has only 2.29% ofthe total land area ofworld and hosts 17% of the human population and 11% of the total livestock population of the world. The area under Fodder production in India is stagnating at 4% ofthe gross cropped area for the last four decades. New Component of Establishment of Fodder Banks has been included in the Sixth five year plan.