Jhansi: Grassland development holds immense potential for ensuring fodder security, restoring degraded lands, enhancing climate resilience, and generating carbon credits, stated Gyanendra D Tripathi, additional secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and secretary of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). He made these remarks during his visit to the ICAR-Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute (ICAR-IGFRI) in Jhansi on Saturday.
Review of Ongoing Research
During his visit, Tripathi reviewed the institute's ongoing research and technological advancements in fodder and grassland management. This included work on non-conventional fodder resources such as cactus, conservation of national forage germplasm, year-round fodder production systems, and grassland restoration initiatives. He highlighted the significance of these efforts in promoting sustainable agriculture.
Emphasis on Climate-Smart Agriculture
Tripathi underscored the growing importance of grasslands in climate-smart agriculture and sustainable land management. He called for stronger policy support to promote fodder and grassland development across the country. According to him, such measures are essential for addressing the challenges of climate change and land degradation.
Need for National Rangeland Policy
He also stressed the need for effective implementation of a National Rangeland Policy developed by the institute. Tripathi stated that this policy would be crucial for the sustainable management of the country's grazing resources. He urged stakeholders to adopt innovative approaches to maximize the benefits of grassland ecosystems.
The visit highlighted the potential of grasslands to contribute to carbon credit markets, offering new economic opportunities for farmers and land managers. Tripathi's remarks align with global efforts to leverage natural ecosystems for climate mitigation and adaptation.
