Feed and fodder resources in Bumthang: availability and utilization by dairy farmers

Abstract

The availability and utilization of feed and fodder resources by farmers in Bumthang dzongkhag (district) were assessed with the objective to understand the current scenario and generate empirical information on feed and fodder status in the dzongkhag. A multi-stage simple random sampling technique was employed and a total of 120 households were selected (30 households each from four study sites). Primary data were collected by interviewing dairy farmers and secondary data were collected by reviewing literatures and reports. Feed resources available year-round were categorized and feed requirement gaps were determined based on cattle population. The major fodder resources found were improved and native pastures. The contribution of crop residues was 3.2%, indicating underutilization of this resource as livestock feed. The annual feed and fodder production exceeded the annual feed requirement for the entire population of dairy cattle in Bumthang dzongkhag. The scarcity of feed and fodder was acute during spring season after all conserved fodder resources were exhausted in winter. Farmers lacked good storage facilities and were not familiar with techniques to improve the quality of crop residues.