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Impact of Napier (pennisetum Purpurium) Cultivation on the Performance of Smallholder Dairy in a Milk Shed Area of Bangladesh

K. S. Huque
Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute, Savar, Dhaka-1341, Bangladesh

M. M. Islam
PSO
System Research Division, Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute, Savar, Dhaka-1341 , Bangladesh.

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

The dominant farming system of Baghabari Milk Shed area is characterized by the practice of two intertwined components, viz. cereal and cattle production systems since the British rule. After independence of Bangladesh, introduction of HYV rice concomitant with increasing population pressure resulted shifting of grazing land for cattle to HYV rice cultivation affecting cattle production in this area. However, recently developed high yielding new varieties of Napier from Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) was introduced in the area which created awareness and interest for its cultivation and utilization to augment milk production and income. The study was conducted in 2002 to i) assess impact of Napier cultivation on milk production, ii) determine the change in forage production, milk production and AI services during the last decade, and iii) determine the effect of introducing forage on farmer's economy. Primary data pertaining to cereal and cattle production were collected from 50 farmers through personal interview with a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Secondary time-series data related to artificial insemination, forage cultivation and milk production during 1991 to 2001 were collected from Baghabari Milk Vita office. The results indicated an exponential growth of milk production during 1992 to 2001. A strong logarithmic relations hip (r²=0.904) between milk production and Napier cultivation was observed. A unique synchronization of forage supply and trends in milk and AI services in Baghabari milk shed area was a common phenomenon over the years. Comparative profitability of cultivating Napier and HYV rice indicated Tk. 26552/- and TK. 6088/- respectively per hectare, which proved potentiality of cultivating the forage against rice at l east in the milk shed areas like Baghabari .

Keywords: Napier fodder, Milk production, Income

Location: Baghabari Milk Shed Area, Shahjadpur, Serajgonj

Start Date: 00-00-1991

End Date: 00-00-2001

Program Area: Animal Health and Management

Commodity: Fodder

Objectives:

i) To assess impact of Napier cultivation on milk production.

ii) To determine the change in forage production, milk production and AI services during the last decade.

iii) To determine the effect of introducing forage on farmer's economy.

Methodology:

The study was conducted in the Baghabari Milk Shed Area, Shahjadpur Serajgonj. The BgMSA is flood prone and every year cropland is inundated by 10 to 15 feet water prolonging at least June to October. Two distinct seasons in a year are found and may be termed as dry (November to June) and the monsoon (July to October). After floodwater recedes farmers cultivate forage crops such as Vinga mungo, Lathyrus sativus in Bathan and the land under irrigation block, which is meant for HYV cultivation. They keep their animals in the Bathan and other forage land from November to mid June. Some farmers use to cultivate Napier on fallow land but recently they have started cultivating high yielding Napier varieties on some plots earmarked for HYV rice. Napier being a perennial crop is being cultivated on the blocked land as a mixed crop with Vinga mungo (Mashkalai) every year after the recede of floodwater. Farmers sow Mashkalai seeds and at the same time throw Napier cuttings with nodes and internodes on the muddy soil. At the age of 45 to 50 days, Mashkalai is cut and carried for feeding animals and the land with Napier crop is then spaded, irrigated and fertilized with minimum dose of urea. Farmers use to harvest Napier 4 to 5 times up to mid June. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data on the sharing of farm economy by cereal and cattle production. Fifty households were visited and interviewed by the scientist to collect data on their farm economy in 2002. Data recorded by the Milk Vita on artificial insemination (AI), forage cultivation and milk production were used to determine the changes during the period of 1991 to 2001. The data were analyzed in Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) laboratory.

Source of Information: Bangladesh Journal of Livestock Research, Vol: 13 (1 & 2), PP: 30-38, 2006, ISSN: 1022-3851

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

BLRI developed a high yielding new varieties of Napier grass in Baghabari milk shed area associated with intensive training to the farmers has tremendously ushered awareness and created positive response to the farmers for its large-scale cultivation and utilization for milk production. High potentiality of Napier in terms of its contribution to increased milk production and income has motivated the farmers to gradually replace the HYV rice cultivation by HYV fodder. Distribution of Napier cutting, training and mass media publicity may induce the farmers for its higher adoption in similar milk pocket areas in Bangladesh.

Knowledge Management: Journal