Strengthening livestock systems through Sorghum-based fodder value chain innovations in southern India

Abstract

CONTEXT

India, a prominent global milk producer, faces suboptimal animal milk productivity primarily due to feed and fodder deficits and malnutrition of milch animals. In Tamil Nadu, landrace, dual-purpose and multi-cut sorghum fodder cultivars play a pivotal role in providing much-needed fodder under rainfed and limited irrigation conditions.

OBJECTIVE

This research aims to comprehensively understand and identify strategies to address the fodder shortage issue by optimizing the sorghum fodder value chain.

METHODS

We took interviews with various stakeholders in the fodder industry to gather required data. The study encompassed all types of sorghum fodder, including landraces, dual-purpose, and multi-cut varieties, being supplied through six distinct value chains. We collected data from 407 household farmers and 30 traders and processors through structured and semi structured interviews and focus group discussion.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The study identified Channel I, involving direct transactions between producers and end-users (primarily dairy farmers and commercial dairy farms) emerged as the most efficient marketing channel for green fodder, offering competitive prices of INR^⁎ 1500 per ton for landrace, INR 1675 per ton for dual-purpose, and INR 1950 per ton for multicut fodder varieties. Among these fodder types, multicut fodder stands out as the most efficient option, ensuring farmers a consistent supply of green fodder while simultaneously reducing cost of production. Furthermore, the silage produced from dual-purpose and multicut fodder commands a superior market value, amounting INR 6500 per ton which is distributed via Channel I, thereby rendering the fodder production highly lucrative. We also compare the different variants of fodder sorghum with its close competitor maize and found out multicut fodder sorghum is the best option for the farmers.

SIGNIFICANCE

This research underscores the potential of promoting multicut sorghum fodder varieties as a pivotal solution to mitigate the fodder deficit issue. This strategic shift can contribute significantly to increased milk production and farm revenue, ultimately strengthening livestock systems in Southern India.