By Umakant Salunke, Field Coordinator, Nandurbar
Supported by – ASK Foundation
In the tribal hamlet of Bhangda in Nandurbar block, the majority of the families depend on agriculture and dairy for survival. But consistent access to green fodder remains a significant challenge.
Kunwar Singh Royta Valvi, a 60-year-old, lives in Bhangda, Nandurbar district. Despite owning 3 acres of land and 6 dairy animals (5 cows and 1 buffalo), he often struggled to maintain milk production because green fodder was available only during the monsoons. Hence, scarcity during winter and summer led to weak livestock, which ultimately reduced milk yield. This severely affected the family’s economic status, and they had to rely on daily wages.
To address this issue, Centre for Youth Development and Activities and ASK Foundation introduced Modern Perennial Fodder Cultivation (COFS-29) on his farm, under the Samruddha Kisan Prakalp Initiative. The comprehensive program enabled the successful implementation of COFS-29:
- Distribution of 3,800 COFS-29 slips, based on land assessment and livestock needs
- Guidance on scientific 3×3 ft planting spacing
- Support for sprinkler irrigation installation
- Hands-on training on:
- Land preparation
- A variety selection of plants
- Irrigation scheduling
- Nutrient and fertiliser management
- Harvesting and regrowth methods
Through timely monitoring and ongoing technical guidance provided by the team, the Valvi family was able to confidently adopt modern fodder cultivation practices without risking failure. In July 2025, 3,800 fodder seedlings of one-foot height were planted on 0.25 acre (10 guntas). By following a well-planned irrigation schedule, proper fertilizer application and maintaining excellent field hygiene, the COFS-29 variety grew well. Regular supervision by project staff ensured the use of scientific practices and supported healthy crop development. Within a few weeks, his field was dense, tall and green, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his dairy-farming journey.
Outcomes
The impact of COFS-29 fodder cultivation was remarkable:
- First Harvest Yield: 4 tons of green fodder
- Fodder Height: Up to 13 feet
- Annual Production Capacity: 18 tons of green fodder
- Cost of Cultivation: Only Rs.2,000/-
- Fodder Availability: Assured throughout the year (All seasons)
- Increase in Milk Production: Over 3 – 4 litres every day
- Improvement in livestock – Issues like drooling, weakness and weight loss reduced
These have significantly reduced his dependency on the market and provided stability to his dairy unit. Thereafter, Mr.Valvi’s family no longer relied on daily wages, with a 40% reduction in fodder expenses, improved cattle health and stable milk production.
The success of COFS-29 on his farm has become a model for other farmers in Bhangda village, inspiring many to explore modern fodder cultivation as a sustainable livelihood strategy.
“I had no idea about the modern fodder cultivation technology. This method reduced my fodder expenses by 40% and increased milk production by 3 litres every day. It has brought a big change in my family’s livelihood. I am truly grateful to the Samriddhi Kisan Project,” says Valvi.
