Ever wondered why imported cows give 18-20 litres of milk daily while the desi bovines yield just about 3-5 litres a day? Apart from genetics, health and other issues, the answer lies in quality, protein and carbohydrate-rich fodder for milch animals.
Indian bovines are mostly fed dry hay and green grass, leading to less milk production as compared to their counterparts in Europe and other advanced nations. If the local cows and buffaloes are fed quality fermented maize crop, including the corn cob cut into small pieces, milk yield can go up by 15%, claim German agri-alliance firms.
A group of German firms dealing with agriculture that came together to promote their respective strengths in areas of technology, research and development, signed separate pacts with the Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Governments last month to explore opportunities in mechanisation and efficiency in farming at the recently held World Food Fair in Delhi.
“Our forage harvesters, especially the small ones costing ₹4 lakh, are ideal for small farmers. Along with tractor-trolley and a fermentation container, it costs upto ₹10 lakh. State Governments are already offering 50% subsidy (AP) or planning (TS). It can cover half-acre in an hour,” explained ‘CLASS’ agriculture machinery MD Mrityunjaya Singh at a media interaction.
The firm has inked deals with both governments to double the dairy production by propagating and providing harvesters for farmers to cut maize crop and ferment to form ‘silage’. Already, four big forage harvesters costing upto ₹4 crore that can handle upto four acres an hour are in use in AP, and with the help of agriculture marketing committees, upto 10,000 tonnes are being supplied to farmers at ₹3 a kilo from last year, he said.
A cow/ buffalo would need upto 20 kg feed everyday and though it could be expensive compared to dry hay or green grass, the productivity would be enhanced, the MD insisted. The 123-year-old firm with a manufacturing plant at Chandigarh also makes grain harvesters, balers and transplanters. Mr. Singh said India is ready to go for farm mechanisation what with labour shortage and need for more farming efficiency.
CLASS has training academies to teach about running and maintaining harvesters across the country with one in Anantapur. It has also initiated ‘Dost’ centres in Karnataka to rent equipment. Both facilities could well be replicated in TS, added Mr. Singh.
