Assessment of dry matter availability and fodder deficiency in Andhra Pradesh: a district-wise analysis

Abstract

This study evaluated the availability of dry matter (DM) for livestock in Andhra Pradesh, a state crucial for livestock production in India. The research covered all 13 districts, utilizing crop production data from 2015-2019 and 20th livestock census data to quantify DM availability from crops and land use classifications. The districts were categorized based on DM availability into surplus, adequate, moderately adequate, and deficient relative to the livestock population. The results indicated that while the state has a satisfactory DM availability of 97.04%, there is significant variation among districts. Five districts are classified as surplus, three as adequate, two as moderately adequate, and three as deficient. Crop residues are the primary source of DM, contributing 69.27% to the total DM availability, followed by greens from gross cropped areas and concentrates. The study highlights that districts with high irrigation facilities and diverse crop patterns tend to have higher DM availability. Mechanized harvesting and burning crop residues are identified as factors reducing fodder availability. At the micro-level, surveys conducted in East Godavari (surplus), Srikakulam (adequate), and YSR Kadapa (deficient) districts revealed that even in surplus and adequate districts, there is a shortage of concentrates due to cost factors and farmer preferences. This research underscores the need for systematic fodder planning strategies tailored to district-specific conditions to ensure sustainable livestock production and livelihood security for small and marginal farmers.