Fodder plays a crucial role in the success of dairy farming. And farmers of Borangmo village under Norboogang Gewog in Pema Gatshel are busy these days cultivating fodder to be stocked for the winter season.
After the establishment of dairy groups in the district, most of the farmers are earning good money. The Livestock Sector representatives are encouraging farmers of Borangmo to use more land to grow fodder. As a result, locals are taking a keen interest in the ongoing fodder plantation programme to have their own fodder bank.
“We didn’t rear cows in the past and we don’t have such experience. But we have seen other members struggling with a shortage of fodder to feed their cattle. Livestock officers told us to avoid such problems, we have to plant two acres of fodder for two cows and do many more things,” said Lobzang Phuntsho, from Borangmo under Norboogang Gewog in Pema Gatshel.
“I am thinking of extending the fodder field from here and planning to buy high breed cows to earn income. All of us in the dairy group are positive of earning more by helping each other,” added Tshering Dorji, from the same village.
They added if they have enough fodder to feed their cattle, they will not have to waste time collecting fodder from the forests. In addition, the cows give more milk and help farmers earn more cash.
“People in Borangmo, have shown interest in having a diary group here. To avoid a shortage of fodders in future, they have started planting fodder from now. Locals of Borangmo and Gashari village will not face any shortage in the future,” said Leki Wangchuk, the Livestock Extension Officer for Norboogang Gewog.
He added that the fodder plantation programme is timely as the group is gearing towards community dairy farming.
The District Livestock Sector supplies the group with Napier grass saplings, one of the widely cultivated fodder grasses for free.
Thinley Dorji
