ILRI showcases feed and fodder technologies at ‘Krushi Odisha 2019’ agricultural fair

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) took part in the five-day ‘Krushi Odisha 2019’ agricultural fair that brought together over 15,000 participants and leaders from 120 organizations from across India to share promising and innovative methods, tools and technologies that can help stimulate agricultural and rural development in the country. The fair was organized 15-19 January 2019  at the Biju Patnaik Exhibition Ground, in Baramunda, Bhubaneswar the state capital.

ILRI researchers demonstrated different feed and fodder production activities and new animal feed technologies such as silage making, low cost hydroponics, Azolla cultivation, new and high-yielding fodder varieties that are in use in Odisha under the ‘Feed and fodder production in different agro-climatic zones and its utilization for livestock of Odisha’ project. The project is funded by the government of Odisha through its Fisheries and Animal Resource Development Department.

ILRI researchers demonstrated different feed and fodder production activities and technologies at the fair (photo credit: ILRI).

About 1,000 farmers registered their interest with ILRI for further scientific assistance in livestock farming. ILRI leaflets on animal feed and fodder were distributed to farmers to share information on the new technologies associated with livestock feeding and production in the state.

The ILRI’s booth was opened by Shashi Bhusan Behera, Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development (F&ARD) minister of Odisha who also inaugurated the fair; Saurabh Garg, Indian Administrative Service, principal secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, government of Odisha, Vishal Gagan, Indian Administrative Service, commissioner-cum-secretary, F&ARD, government of Odisha; Ratnakar Rout, director, Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, government of Odisha and received many other senior delegates from state and diplomatic agencies.

Shashi Bhusan Behera, Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, Fisheries & Animal Resources Development Minister, inaugurates ILRI’s booth (photo credit: ILRI).

Renowned agricultural economist Ashok Gulati, former chairman, Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices and currently deputy chair and professor in Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations, and member of the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog also visited the ILRI booth and commended the institute’s work in Odisha.

Ashok Gulati renowned agricultural economist visits the ILRI booth (photo credit: ILRI).

The fair attracted a wide array of participants including farmers, extension workers, rural development agents; representatives of advocacy and non-governmental organizations, international agencies, national and international research institutes, academic institutions, development projects, governments, private companies and the media.