Oats as a Potential High Altitude Winter Fodder Crop

“Soeyaksa, a semi-nomadic community inhabits the high altitude rangelands in Bhutan. Due to rugged topography and cold temperature, livestock rearing is the only agricultural activity practiced by this community who experienced the lack of winter fodder as a major issue in year 2001. Owing to which a fodder promotional program was initiated. This included on-farm tests to compare oats with the traditional fodder crop,

This Potential GP note captures how a fodder promotional program has immensely benefited alpine communities during seven years of continued efforts and unfailing support, concluding that the program should be scaled-up in similar alpine areas of Bhutan. The introduction of Oats as a winter fodder resulted in less labour demand, reduced animal mortality and increased lactation period. Above all, the adoption of introduced winter fodder saved time for women and they were able to participate in other development activities.

Authors & Contributors: Tshering Gyaltsen, Deputy Fodder Officer; Herilal Nerula, Assistant Research Officer; Yonten Dorji, Assistant Research Officer; Gyem Thinley, Assistant Research Officer (RNRRC, Yusipang); Nidup Tshering, Assistant Livestock Officer, Dzongkhag Administration, Paro; Community of Soeyaksa; SA PPLPP Regional Coordination Team

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Potential Good Practice Note4.2MB