Question : DEMAND AND SUPPLY OF FODDER

(a) whether a large gap exists between the demand and supply of feed and fodder for milch cattle in the country thereby leading to a fall in milk production;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the estimated current fodder production and availability of improved fodder seeds along with the estimated requirement during the next one year;

(d) whether it is a fact that grasslands/ pastures are decreasing and as a result, the animal population is on the decline; and

(e) if so, the corrective steps taken by the Government in this regard?

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (DR. CHARAN DAS MAHANT)

(a) to (c) There is gap between demand and supply of feed and fodder in the country, but there is no fall in milk production. Assessment of fodder production, or fodder seed production is not made every year. However, the demand and availability of fodder and feed, assessed by NABARD CONSULTANCY SERVICES in 2007 is as under:

(Dry matter in million tones)
Sr No.	Feed	Demand	Availability	Gap
1	Dry Fodder	416	253	163
2	Greens	222	143	79
3	Concentrate	53	23	30