Himalaya Harbinger, Rudrapur Bureau
Rudrapur: In a significant move to improve animal husbandry and milk production, the US Nagar district administration has initiated the cultivation of Azolla, a highly nutritious aquatic plant. Azolla is known for enhancing animal health and increasing milk yield in dairy animals. This innovative approach is being implemented under a beneficiary-oriented scheme through MNREGA.
Azolla, which floats on water and forms a thick green mat, is rich in essential nutrients such as phosphorus, zinc, cobalt, magnesium, vitamins, and proteins. It can be cultivated in small spaces, including tanks, ponds, lakes, pits, and paddy fields. Besides improving animal health, dried Azolla also serves as an excellent organic fertilizer, enhancing soil organic matter.
For the first time in the district, 100 cattle farmers have been identified to benefit from this scheme. Concrete ponds will be constructed through MNREGA, and the milk department will introduce Azolla culture in these ponds. Farmers are advised to mix Azolla with regular fodder to boost milk production by 10-15% and reduce daily fodder costs by 20-25%.
Rajendra Singh Chauhan, Assistant Director of Dairy, said, “Feeding Azolla daily to milch animals can significantly increase milk production while improving animal health.”
Manish Kumar, Chief Development Officer of the District, said, “Ponds will be constructed through MNREGA, and the milk department will provide the Azolla culture to the animal keepers. This initiative promises to bring substantial benefits to the district’s dairy farmers, enhancing both productivity and sustainability”.
