Early Times Report
REASI, June 8: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Reasi, which operates under the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology-Jammu (SKUAST-J), is actively promoting and providing technical support to farmers in Azolla cultivation. The objective is to enable farmers to produce high-quality organic feed for their poultry birds and livestock.
Dr. Banarsi Lal, Senior Scientist and Head of KVK, Reasi, explained that Azolla is a fast-growing aquatic fern that floats on the water's surface. In rainfed areas, where green fodder availability is limited, farmers often face challenges in providing adequate animal feed due to high costs. Dr. Lal suggested that farmers in rainfed regions can economically cultivate Azolla on their farms to feed their animals and poultry birds, as it offers numerous benefits.
He highlighted that Azolla serves as a versatile animal feed, biofertilizer, and organic livestock health enhancer. It is an excellent source of concentrates, fodder, and sustainable feed for various livestock, including cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, rabbits, and fish. Azolla is rich in proteins, essential amino acids, vitamins (such as vitamin A, vitamin B12, and beta-carotene), growth-promoting substances, and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, copper, and magnesium.
Dr. Lal emphasized that dry Azolla contains approximately 25-35% protein, 10-15% minerals, and 7-10% amino acids, bioactive compounds, and biopolymers. This makes it highly beneficial, especially for small, marginal, landless, and resource-poor farmers, who often face challenges related to green fodder shortage.
He also explained that Azolla aids in nitrogen fixation by living symbiotically with blue-green algae, which helps in the rapid growth of the plant. Additionally, it can be utilized to cultivate organic paddy. This technology is simple, cost-effective, and easily adoptable by small and marginal farmers. |
