Good Fodder Research Articles

A Very Promising Drought Resistant Fodder Grass for South India.

The problem of producing good fodder grasses and improving the pastures has been engaging the attention of many in the development of Indian Agriculture & Livestock. Good pastures not only provide an excellent feed, but they reduce the labour and expense in- volved in Livestock production and maintenance by supplying the essential nutrients for body development. Improved pastures and improved live- stock always go hand in hand. In South India there are over a dozen good perennial pasture grasses of which only a few form the staple fodder for the South Indian breeds of cattle. The bulk of our cattle which are in the villages depend on the poor local natural pastures or grazing grounds which consist chiefly of annual gresses which spring up with the rains of the monsoons and die after seeding from October to January. There are no regular pastures as in the western countries where they are systematically grazed.

Grass Flora of North and South Arcot Districts with special reference to fodder grasses.

The North and South Arcot Districts receive a total annual rainfall of about 30 inches. The heaviest rainfall period is during the north-east mon- soon between September and November. During the year (1939) the north- east monsoon was late and only about two inches of rainfall were received towards the end of September. The regular monsoon, however, commenced from about the middle of October. The grass survey was made, between the 6th and 23rd of October. The grasses had just started fresh growth and a few were in flower which enabled their identification. The soils of these districts are generally sandy loam. A large area ia under paddy especially in the South Arcot District. There is, therefore, the necessity to maintain a large number of work bullocks and buffaloes. The question of large scale production of good fodder, therefore, is of utmost Importance to the ryot in these districts.