Haveri: From the simplicity of the underlying technology involved, the shorter quantum of time needed for cultivation to the evidently superior quality of produce, hydrophonic fodder cultivation is gaining in popularity across the state, more so among dairy farmers. Peasants in the state who have adopted this method swear by the benefits including higher content of protein and vitamin. However, what makes this method most attractive for the agrarian community is the reduced time needed for growing fodder. Moreover, the subsidy offered by the state government for the setting up of hydrophonic fodder units has helped further popularise the technique, as evidenced by the setting up of 852 of them with the assistance of the department of animal husbandry and veterinary sciences in 2018-19 and 2019-20 financial years.
Dr HC Patil, chief veterinary officer in Shiggavi in Haveri, said that ignorance of the method among the farmers was gradually receding. “Yes, it is slightly expensive but even the small farmers can adopt this new system, along with dry fodder cultivation. This will help boost milk production, not to mention enhance its quality,” said Dr Patil, adding that the government was providing up to 90% subsidy for setting up of these units as part of its push for increased use of technology in farming.
Venkatesh Solagi, a dairy farmer in Hirekerur in Haveri, is among those who has benefitted from the installation of the hydrophonic unit on his farm. “I have eight animals, all of whom are now getting quality fodder, and it is taking me very less time to grow it, and the whole unit occupies little space. It has also helped increase the yield we get from the cows. The fodder from these units helps increase the content of fat in milk,” Solagi said.
Basappa Hirur, a farmer in Sammasagi village in Hanagal taluk in Haveri, said that nearly two-fifths of the fodder for his livestock, he was obtaining through hydrophonic method. “I want to cultivate fodder using this method on 600 trays, which I am sure will help improve the yield in milk,” he said.
Joint director of the department of animal husbandry and veterinary sciences for Haveri Dr Manjunath Palegar attributed the overwhelmingly positive response to the advantages that the small farmers derived from it. “But this method can only supplement dry fodder cultivation. It is not a feasible alternative to the conventional method,” Dr Palegar said.