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About the Accelerated Fodder Development Programme (AFDP)

The Accelerated Fodder Development Programme (AFDP) is an initiative launched by the Government of India to increase the production of fodder in the country. ‘Accelerated Fodder Development Programme (AFDP)’ was launched in the year 2011-12 through a window of Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY).

The main objectives of the program are to:

1. Increasing the area under cultivation of fodder crops: The program aims to increase the area under cultivation of various types of fodder, including grasses, legumes, and other forages, to improve the availability of fodder for livestock.
2. Improving the productivity of existing fodder crops: The program aims to improve the productivity of existing fodder crops through the use of high-yielding varieties, better seed production, and improved farming practices. This will ensure that there is a sufficient quantity of quality feed available to meet the needs of the country’s growing livestock population.
3. Encouraging farmers to take up fodder cultivation: The program aims to encourage farmers to take up fodder cultivation by providing financial assistance and other incentives. This will help to increase the number of farmers growing fodder and will help to ensure a more stable and consistent supply of fodder.
4. Promoting the use of modern technologies for the conservation and preservation of fodder: The program aims to promote the use of modern technologies, such as silage and hay making, for the conservation and preservation of fodder. This will help to ensure that there is a sufficient supply of fodder available year-round, regardless of weather conditions or other factors.
5. Establishing a network of training and research centres: The program aims to establish a network of training and research centres for the development and dissemination of new technologies for fodder cultivation. This will help to ensure that farmers have access to the latest information and techniques for improving their fodder production.
6. Improving Livestock Production: By increasing the availability and quality of fodder, the program aims to improve the overall production and health of livestock, which in turn will benefit the farmers and the country’s economy.

The program is implemented by the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, the Ministry of Agriculture, and Farmers Welfare of the Government of India. The program is targeted mainly at small and marginal farmers, as also cooperatives, and NGOs.Some of the specific activities that are undertaken under the program include the establishment of fodder nurseries, the distribution of high-yielding varieties of seed, and the construction of feed storage facilities. The program also provides financial assistance to farmers for the purchase of machinery and equipment related to fodder cultivation, and also support for the development of fodder processing units.

Overall, the Accelerated Fodder Development Programme is an important initiative aimed at increasing the availability of fodder in India and improving the livelihoods of farmers who depend on livestock production. By increasing the area under cultivation of fodder crops and improving their productivity, the program aims to ensure that there is enough fodder to meet the needs of the country’s growing livestock population.

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