Promoting a Productive and Sustainable Fodder Programme: Oats as a Potential High Altitude Winter Fodder Crop

During a planning and learning exercise held at Soe Yaksa, Bhutan, in 2001, lack of winter fodder was identified as a major cause of high livestock mortality by the community. In order to address this issue, the Dzongkhag Livestock Sector, Paro, initiated a large scale program for promoting the cultivation of oats as a fodder crop in Soe Yaksa.

The note documents how this fodder promotion program benefited alpine communities and the support provided by way of leasing land and assistance for fencing material. These initiatives contributed positively to sustaining yak herds in the alpine regions. The introduction of oats as a winter fodder not only led to reduced drudgery and livestock mortality but also led to an increase in the lactation period for yaks.

 

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

To learn more about this Practice open/download from the link below.

• Potential Good Practice Note 4.2MB