Evaluation of Fodder Development Programme Implemented under SDP of Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Govt. of Karnataka.

The evaluation study cover 24 taluks spread over 21 districts in Karnataka. The period of evaluation is from 2009-10 to 2012-13 in case of fodder beneficiaries and 2011-12 and 2012-13 and 6 taluks have been selected from those implemented in four years for 2011-12. The findings are based on a sample size of 607 fodder beneficiaries and for 180 chaff cutter beneficiaries. The demand estimated is 38.76 million tons for green fodder and 30.81 million tons for dry fodder in 2016. The Napier grass is the most preferred and suited fodder variety for further propagation. Availability of fodder has led to a) change in the number of cattle with the beneficiaries; b) improvement in health of the cattle and c) increase in milk production and d) increase in income.