The quality and availability of fodder in India pose significant challenges. Without substantial growth in fodder production, India may have to depend heavily on global imports, which could lead to price surges due to its large consumption. Feed scarcity continues to limit livestock productivity.

The land allocated for fodder crops, permanent pastures, grazing areas, and cultivable wastelands—the primary sources of cattle feed—is shrinking rapidly due to the rising demand for real estate and infrastructure. Additionally, large quantities of paddy straw, a major source of dry fodder for bovines in India, are being burned in key paddy-producing states. This issue arises mainly from difficulties in handling and marketing at the farmer level.

Climate change is increasingly evident across various regions, posing new challenges for livestock systems. It negatively impacts agriculture, water resources, forests, biodiversity, health, and coastal management. The rise in temperatures places additional stress on ecological and socioeconomic systems already under strain from rapid industrialization, urbanization, and economic growth.

Shunya’s hydroponic green fodder initiative offers a promising solution to these issues. Hydroponics, a method of growing plants without soil, provides an innovative way to produce fodder. Shunya’s hydroponic techniques can produce green fodder throughout the year, irrespective of seasonal limitations, ensuring a consistent and high-quality fodder supply.

Hydroponically grown fodder not only provides balanced nutrition but also mitigates the risks associated with concentrate feeding, such as rumen acidosis and liver damage. This method requires less water and space compared to traditional farming, making it a sustainable solution to the increasing demand for fodder. By adopting hydroponic techniques, Shunya can enhance its fodder supply, ensuring the health of its dairy cattle and maintaining milk production levels.

Shunya’s hydroponic fodder initiative has the potential to revolutionize the industry, offering a scalable, efficient, and sustainable solution to the fodder shortage. By embracing such innovative approaches, Bharat can protect its dairy sector, ensuring food security and the livelihoods of millions of dairy farmers. If you want to know more about Shunya and its hydroponic fodder or other initiatives related to animal nutrition, please contact us today.