Hydroponics: A Promising Alternative Technology for Fodder Production

Abstract

India's livestock sector struggles due to insufficient fodder and feed supplies, coupled with low productivity of fodder crops. India's livestock milk production lags significantly behind global averages (20-60% lower) largely due to an insufficient fodder (Begam et al, 2024). Animal husbandry is an integral component of farming systems and is a significant revenue stream for farmers. Livestock contributes 10 to 45 percent to the agricultural Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the developing countries and it is one of the fastest growing sub-sectors in agriculture. Plants are grown for a certain period without soil by providing nutrient solutions in hydroponic systems to produce fodder. In India, Hydroponic technology has been able to produce fodder through the environmentally friendly practices such as low-cost shed net and high-cost hi-tech hydroponic is important to satisfy the demand of green fodder in the dairy industry. The feeding of highly digestible, palatable, nutritious and highly succulent hydroponics fodder to livestock increases milk yield and composition, dry matter intake, digestibility of nutrients. That enhances the health and daily weight of calves, lambs, and goats. Hydroponics has an valid opportunity to work especially in areas characterized by severe soil degradation and limited water availability. Therefore, Hydroponic technology has immense potential in producing fodder through the environmentally friendly practices which is important to satisfy the demand of green fodder in India.