Green Fodder Cultivation in the Upper-gangetic Plains: Adoption Patterns and Challenges

Abstract

This study investigates the adoption patterns and constraints in the production of green fodder crops, including Berseem, Maize, Oat, and Sorghum, in the Upper Gangetic Plains of India. Data were collected using pre-structured and pre-tested schedules, focusing on the districts of Moradabad, Rampur, and Amroha during the agricultural year 2022-23. A multi-stage stratified purposive-cum-random sampling technique was employed to select 180 respondents from two blocks per district based on the highest green fodder acreage. The economic evaluation utilized various cost concepts to assess profitability, revealing that berseem as the most cost-effective crop due to its lower cultivation costs despite slightly lower yields than other fodder crops. A probit model was applied to analyze adoption behavior, identifying the commercial sale of fodder as a significant factor influencing adoption. Furthermore, constraints faced by farmers were ranked using the Friedman two-way ANOVA rank test, with a lack of awareness about fodder production emerging as the most severe barrier. The findings highlight the economic potential of Berseem and provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities for enhancing green fodder adoption in the region.