Publication Date
1985
Location
Kyoto Japan
Description
An integrated pasture development programme for the state of Kerala, in the 1500-3500 mm rainfall area of southern India, is described. Kerala's agriculture is characterized by small holdings and intensive multicrop farming systems with coconut and rice as main crops. Dairy cattle rearing is an important subsidiary for many farmers. A plant introduction programme selected Panicum maximum ( cvs. Makueni and Riversdale), Brachiaria ruziziensis and Centrosema pubescens for intercropping in coconut gardens. Desmodium intortum and D. uncinatum were introduced for the grasslands of the high ranges. B. ruziziensis, Melinis minutiflora, Setaria anceps ( cvs. Kazungula and N arok), Stylosanthes guianensis (cv. Schofield) and Leucaena Jeucocephala (cvs. K8 and Cunningham) were found to be adapted to a wide range of uses from the lowlands to the high ranges. The seed production programme procures, tests, processes and sells seed of the above species. In 1983/84, 24 metric tons of fodder seed were produced by 450 seed growers. A fodder promotion programme distributes seed of selected varieties to farmers, organizes training courses and establishes demonstration plots. So far, 6000 ha have been sown with a recommended grass legume mixture. The pasture development programme improves the economic viability of dairy farming in Kerala by making available more and better fodder sources.
Citation
Shamsudeen, A; Joseph, T V.; and Von Sury, F, "Plant Introduction, Seed Production and Fodder Promotion in an Integrated Livestock and Pasture Development Programme in Kerala, India" (1985). IGC Proceedings (1985-2023). 13.
(URL: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1985/ses16/13)
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Plant Introduction, Seed Production and Fodder Promotion in an Integrated Livestock and Pasture Development Programme in Kerala, India
Kyoto Japan
An integrated pasture development programme for the state of Kerala, in the 1500-3500 mm rainfall area of southern India, is described. Kerala's agriculture is characterized by small holdings and intensive multicrop farming systems with coconut and rice as main crops. Dairy cattle rearing is an important subsidiary for many farmers. A plant introduction programme selected Panicum maximum ( cvs. Makueni and Riversdale), Brachiaria ruziziensis and Centrosema pubescens for intercropping in coconut gardens. Desmodium intortum and D. uncinatum were introduced for the grasslands of the high ranges. B. ruziziensis, Melinis minutiflora, Setaria anceps ( cvs. Kazungula and N arok), Stylosanthes guianensis (cv. Schofield) and Leucaena Jeucocephala (cvs. K8 and Cunningham) were found to be adapted to a wide range of uses from the lowlands to the high ranges. The seed production programme procures, tests, processes and sells seed of the above species. In 1983/84, 24 metric tons of fodder seed were produced by 450 seed growers. A fodder promotion programme distributes seed of selected varieties to farmers, organizes training courses and establishes demonstration plots. So far, 6000 ha have been sown with a recommended grass legume mixture. The pasture development programme improves the economic viability of dairy farming in Kerala by making available more and better fodder sources.
