ICAR-IGFRI Annual Report 2010-11

Abstract

IGFRI since its inception has become a nodal institute for research and development in forage resource management and utilization. For holistic forage resource development, striking a balance in integration of all relevant fields of fodder research is the prime objective of the institute. During the year, significant achievements have been made in the technology development. Prototype of two machineries were developed under Inter- Institutional Collaborative Projects. These were berseem-chicory seed separator (IGFRI, Jhansi and CIPHET, Ludhiana) and Seed Drill for Berseem (IGFRI, Jhansi and CIAE, Bhopal). Major breakthrough was achieved in organic milk protocol development programme. During the year, certification of organic fodder production has been received. Analysis of milk fat reveals that poly-unsaturated fatty acids were significantly higher in organic milk however mono-unsaturated fatty acid were at par. Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids were more in organic milk by weight. Technologies were developed on use of non-conventional fodder such as Cenchrus and sorghum stover as silage. Seed production programme under participatory approach has been strengthened in of Muzaffarnagar, Meerut (UP), and Sirsa (Haryana). Understanding the mechanism of abiotic stress such as drought, acidity and salinity has also received attention during the year. Detailed and updated GIS based inventory of rangelands and grasslands is being carried out in the hilly zone of the country. The contribution of IGFRI has been recognized by various national and international agencies. IGFRI scientists have received many awards and fellowships such as ICAR Team Award for outstanding multidisciplinary research, NAAS Fellowship, international fellowships etc. IGFRI is especially thankful to ICAR and ASRB for providing many new scientists in various positions during the year. I am highly thankful for the guidance and support given from time to time by Dr. S. Ayyappan, Secretary DARE and Director General, ICAR; Dr Swapan Kumar Datta, Deputy Director General (Crop Sciences); Dr R. P. Dua, Assistant Director General, (Food and Forage Crops). I am indebted to the members of various functional committees especially the Research Advisory Committee headed by Dr R. M. Singh and the members of Institute Management Committee, Institute Research Council etc. which helped and guided the institute in its endeavour for forage resource management and utilization It is my pleasure to thank all the scientific, technical, administrative and supporting staff including the casual labourers who have made significant contribution as team members. I put on record efforts of Nodal Officer Dr. D.R. Malaviya & his team members for phenomenal growth in seed production of improved varieties and its marketing, to every nook and corner of the country. I am thankful to all the members of editorial committee headed by Dr A. K. Roy who have devoted time and energy and skill for bringing out timely this annual report as a source of information of activities and achievements of the institute for various stakeholders. Special thanks to Chairman PMER & HRD Dr. B.K. Bhadoria, Shri G.P. Nigam, Shri K.P. Rao and Shri Shailendra Sinha for bringing out Annual Report timely.