Page 38 - Agroforestry system - book inner (final corrected) - 9.-3-21_Neat

National level e-symposium on “Agroforestry system for augmenting livestock
productivity and empowering resource poor rural farmers”

are of 1.00 to 2.00 ha. 15432 persons hold a land area of 2.0 to 3 ha. ( Agricultural census 2011 -12.). Unless
the resources are shared by small holders the cost of cultivation cannot be reduced.

Livestock Population : The total cattle population is 3,32,199 out of which 1,66,591 are milking. The sheep
population stands at 1,14,537 and goats population is 3,98,694. ( Source District Animal Husbandry office
2016 -2017.)
Change in livestock population

Cattle

2004 2007 Deviation 2012 Deviation
2,22,381 2,85,958 + 28.59 % 2,20,700 - 22.82 %
Buffalo

1,82,202 2,19,878 + 20.68 1,07,830 - 50.96 %
Sheep

1,46,217 1,51,666 + 3.73 95,484 - 37.04 %
Goats
3,88,832 4,62,329 + 18.90 3,65,326 - 20.98 %

Source : Dept of Statistics, Chennai.

Main reasons for decline in livestock population was due to non remunerative price for milk, shortage of
labours for taking care of cattle, sheep and goats, drought forcing inadequate fodder and pasture.

Fodder development : During 2012 -13 it was 8222 ha and by 2015-16 it has increased to 25,675 ha. 842
MT of fodder seeds has been supplied through govt schemes. In a survey of 5282 farmers visited KVK during
the year 2012 -13, Nearly 25 % of the farmers came to purchase fodder seeds, 7.7 % of the farmers came for
Sheep and goat farming training. 2% of the farmers came for purchase of mineral mixture and salt licks. A
public private partnership model for production and supply of fodder seed was the break through in improving
the fodder production area in Namakkal district.

It is very clear after the intervention of govt in supply of fodder seeds, the area of fodder cultivation
has increased. There is great potential for supply of tree fodders like, Sesbania, Acacia, Glyrecidia, New
soobabul. NGOs like Isha nursery supply native tree saplings throughout Tamil Nadu in a reach of 50 kms
distance to propogate fruit bearing trees like tamarind. Mango, Jack fruit, timber value trees like teak, neem.
They can be grown in dry lands and after five to seven years can be integrated with sheep and goats.

Sericulture : Mulberry is cultivated in 745 ha and chiefly in Vennandur ( 132 ha), Namagiripettai ( 109 ha),
Mallasamudram ( 68 ha), Tiruchengode ( 59.90ha) – Source Assistant Director of Sericulture, Namakkal
2016-17. Mulberry farmers also integrate with goats to feed the waste and fallen leaves.
Scope for small ruminant production . The mutton and Chevon rate is on the increase. The rearing methods
can be improved.

Institute of Animal Nutrition, Centre for Animal Production Studies, TANUVAS
National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development 19