ICAR-IGFRI Annual Report 2013-14

Abstract

Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute (IGFRIJ), Jhansi has completed one more year in its post -Golden Jubilee age, being established in 1962, It ts the only institute in Asia with the specified mandate of conducting organized research on forages including development and management of grasslands and fodder crops. The challenge is to overcome deficits in green and dry fodder demands of the ever growing livestock population of the country. In this endeavour, the institute has widened its base tremendously and has gained reputation as a premier institution for forage research at national level. The seven divisions of the institute have appropriately contributed in development of technologies and generation of information leading to the enrichment of our understanding of fodder improvement, production, utilization and conservation. During the year 2013-14, we have identified seven varieties in five crops through AICRP-FC system, of which three were developed at IGFRI. Significant strides have been taken in development of novel genetic stocks and identification of genes/markers for desirable traits, efficient resource management practices, regeneration of degraded rangelands/wastelands and improved utilization of forages resources. In addition to translate ongoing research into field technologies, we also undertook new initiatives in the present XII" plan. These include NIFTD (National Initiative on Fodder Technology Demonstration) through 100 KVKs, Adarsh Chara Gram to showcase IGFRI activities, development of model grasslands in collaboration with other stakeholders in acute fodder deficit areas, nanotechnology on fodder and seed production and are expected to demonstrate impacts and promises of IGFRI technologies. Adding to it, we also have two inter-institutional projects on nutritional quality improvement of grasses and fodder based integrated farming system, besides a good number of institute and external funded projects. Strengthening varietal impact, we have produced 158.60 quintals of breeder seed in three crops and 588,39 quintals of TFL seeds (21 crops) along with more than 4.81 lakhs rooted slips of range grasses. We plan to further strengthen our efforts on efficient resource utilization to generate technologies for sustainable fodder production over different parts of the year and from different agro-ecological zones. Special emphasis has been given to strengthen our Regional Centres at Srinagar, Dharwad and Avikanagar both in administrative and scientific capacities for better establishment and research endeavours. I would express my gratitude to the DG, ICAR, DDG (CS) and ADG (F&FC) for the constant encouragement and guidance. Also I would like to acknowledge ICAR for the constant administrative support. My sincere thanks are also due to members of RAC, QRT and IMC for all their guidance to undertake [IGFRI] activities. I would also like to thank PC (FC), Heads of the division, Incharges of the regional stations, all scientists, technical, supporting and administrative staff of the Institute for their dedication and sincerity to achieve the target, as set. I would also like to acknowledge the Annual Report Committee for their untiring efforts and devotion to compile the progress of the year well in time.