Arshad Farooq
Baramulla, Nov 1: Scientists from the ICAR- Indian Grassland Fodder Research Institute, Srinagar station and experts from Sheep Husbandry Department, Baramulla Wednesday organised informative awareness program hosted at the remote picturesque village of Mund Daji to educate the local farming community about the best practices for cultivating high yielding nutritive fodder crop for sustainable sheep production and ensuring availability of improved varieties of perennial multi cut nutritional fodder grasses in the area.
The village is mostly inhabited by members of tribal Gujjar community and pastoralists who are mainly associated with livestock farming including cattle, buffaloes, goat and sheep.
The program was attended by prominent scientists from IGFRI which included Dr. Sheeraz Saleem Bhat Sr. Scientist In charge IGFRI, Dr. Suheel Ahmad Senior Scientist (Forestry) and Dr. Nazim Hamid Mir, Senior Scientist (Agronomy) besides Dr. Showkat Ahmed (DSHO Baramulla), Dr. Syed Imran (Technical Officer, SHD Baramulla) and Dr. Saima (VAS Rafiabad) from Sheep Husbandry Department Baramulla.
The scientists from ICAR- IGFRI shared valuable insights on the scientific cultivation practices, fodder genetic resources, importance of local fodder crops and fodder conservation techniques to ensure uninterrupted supply of nutritious green fodder for the animals especially during harsh winter months .
District Sheep Husbandry Officer, Dr. Showkat Ahmed during the program highlighted the commitment of the department in doorstep deliverance of quality health care services and adoption of best Husbandry practices besides role of the department in employment generation. He appreciated the efforts of the scientists of the institute in reaching out to the farmers in farflung areas for distribution of farm inputs and rapid dissemination of technologies to the farming community.
During the program the scientists from the institute also distributed improved varieties of fodder seed kits, medicine items and supplements among the sheep breeders. The farmers of the area hailed the collaborative efforts of the institute and department and urged upon holding of more such type of awareness programs in future for their benefit.
