Livestock farming plays a crucial role in the rural economy of Krishnagiri district. However, for many years, farmers have been facing persistent challenges such as low livestock productivity, rising feed costs, and limited awareness about scientifically proven fodder crops. Recognizing these constraints, ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Krishnagiri, initiated long-term, science-based interventions to transform livestock feeding systems through what can be termed “Forage Intelligence.”
The Challenge: Low Productivity and High Feed Costs
Livestock farmers in the district traditionally depended on limited and seasonal fodder resources. The lack of awareness about multi-cut perennial legume and cereal forage crops, coupled with increasing dependence on costly commercial feeds, resulted in reduced profitability for dairy farmers and small ruminant rearers. Addressing this gap required a systematic approach combining technology demonstration, capacity building, and institutional convergence.
KVK Interventions: From Demonstration to Adoption
From 2011 to 2025, KVK Krishnagiri implemented a comprehensive fodder development strategy centered on farmer participation and field-level validation.
A total of 10 Front Line Demonstration (FLD) programmes were conducted, covering 145 demonstrations, to showcase the performance of improved fodder technologies under real farming conditions. These demonstrations served as live learning platforms for farmers to compare traditional practices with improved forage systems.
To strengthen knowledge dissemination, KVK organized extensive training and awareness programmes on feed and fodder management, scientific dairy farming, and Integrated Farming Systems (IFS). During this period, 53 KVK-organized trainings benefitted 1,055 farmers, while 35 convergence-based trainings reached 1,600 farmers. Additionally, 7 sponsored training programmes supported by institutions such as NABARD–CAT, Aavin, ICAR–NIVEDI, ATMA, and the Vanthudhu Kattuvom Project (TNRTP) benefitted 216 farmers.
KVK also leveraged mass media outreach to amplify its impact, delivering three television talks through DD and Makkal TV, and four radio talks via All India Radio (AIR). Continuous advisory services, farm visits, and farmer exposure visits to KVK further strengthened adoption.
Technology Interventions: Building Sustainable Fodder Systems
KVK promoted a diversified and location-specific fodder production model to ensure year-round availability of quality feed. The interventions included mixed fodder cultivation and TANUVAS 10-cent fodder production models for smallholders.
Improved fodder varieties such as Cumbu Napier Hybrid (CO 4 and CO 5) and Guinea Grass (COGG 3) were promoted as grass-type fodders. Fodder Sorghum varieties (COFS 29 and COFS 31) addressed cereal fodder needs, while Hedge Lucerne (CO 2) served as a high-protein perennial legume. Tree fodders like Agathi and Subabul were introduced to enhance sustainability and resilience.
Innovative practices such as fodder intercropping in coconut gardens and mango orchards helped farmers utilize available space efficiently while improving soil health and fodder availability.
Outcomes: Expanding Fodder Area and Farmer Reach
The sustained efforts of KVK from 2015 to 2025 resulted in significant fodder area expansion across Krishnagiri district. Approximately 295 hectares were brought under perennial legume and cereal fodder crops such as Hedge Lucerne and Fodder Sorghum (CO 31). An additional 225 hectares were covered under other forage crops including Agathi, Anjan grass, Stylo, Fodder Maize, and Cumbu Napier, resulting in a total fodder area expansion of 520 hectares.
Through these initiatives, 1,873 farmers were directly benefitted, while an additional 2,500 farmers benefitted indirectly through departments and institutions.
Institutional Convergence and Outreach
KVK Krishnagiri played a key role in supplying fodder seeds and tree saplings to several institutions and organizations. These included the Cattle Breeding and Fodder Development (CBFD) wing of the Animal Husbandry Department, District Livestock Farms, multiple KVKs, and NGOs such as BAIF (Hosur), National Agro Foundation (Krishnagiri), and MYRADA. The outreach extended across districts including Krishnagiri, Vellore, Tiruvallur, Villupuram, Nagapattinam, Ramanathapuram, Tiruppur, and Tirunelveli.
Impact on Livestock Productivity and Farm Income
The adoption of improved forage-based feeding systems led to measurable improvements in livestock performance. Sheep and goats fed with legume forages recorded a 15–20% increase in body weight gain. Dairy farmers experienced a 10% reduction in feed costs, significantly improving net income.
The economic impact has been substantial. Small ruminant farmers generated an additional income of ₹1.25 crore per year, while dairy farmers achieved feed cost savings of ₹3.10 crore per year. Over the period 2015–2025, KVK generated approximately ₹26 lakhs through the sale of fodder seeds and tree saplings, including ₹23.42 lakhs from fodder seed sales and ₹2.11 lakhs from the supply of 9,420 fodder tree saplings to CBFD and the Animal Husbandry Department.
Conclusion: A Sustainable Path Forward
The experience of KVK Krishnagiri demonstrates that forage intelligence—combining scientific fodder technologies, farmer capacity building, and institutional convergence—can transform livestock farming. By reducing feed costs, enhancing animal productivity, and improving farm incomes, these interventions have laid a strong foundation for sustainable and climate-resilient livestock systems in the district.