Srinagar, July 3: Minister for Forests and Environment, Mian Altaf Ahmad today called for development of pastures on scientific lines to boost livestock industry in J&K.
 Speaking at a review meeting of Agrostology wing of J&K Forest Department at Civil Secretariat here, the Minister said: “Since our natural resources have been subjected to tremendous biotic pressure by livestock population, there is urgent need to ensure natural regeneration of pastures besides production of quality fodder.”
 The minister said the livestock population has more than doubled from 40.08 lakh to 104.75 lakh during last 50 years.
 He said in order to sustain the pasture and fodder development, the Agrostology wing of the Forest Department has to play a vital role, adding that it should ensure “wise use of pasture lands in forest areas to improve the quality of fodder.”
 The minister also stressed the need for increasing and introducing improved varieties of grasses and legumes, which according to him will help improve the economic status of nomadic people of the state.
 He asked the Agrostology department to produce quality grass seeds “for further multiplication among the nomadic people and to check the imbalance between supply and demand of fodder.” 
 “Research and extension for introduction of improved varieties of grass and legumes is of primary importance in this regard,” the minister added.  The meeting was informed that Rs 82 lakh under state plan “are proposed to be spent on pasture and fodder development in the state during the current financial year with main focus on participatory grazing and land management.”

Lastupdate on : Tue, 3 Jul 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
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