Despite the crucial role played by dairy development plays in strengthening the economy and job creation in rural Bihar, milk productivity has hardly increased in decades. Recent increases in milk production have been driven by increases in the number of animals. A study at the International Livestock Research Institute, published in January 2016, sets out the challenges facing the sector and suggests a way forward, the establishment of a multi-stakeholder consultation forum/platform to share and discuss the nature of interventions each organization is undertaking in the dairy livestock sector. Continue reading
Category Archives: South Asia
Livestock and livelihoods: CSISA project boosts incomes and productivity in South Asia
In collaboration with other CSISA partners, the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) has been helping crop-livestock farmers to boost income and milk production by increasing the availability of fodder, promoting efficient use of cereal residues and improving the quality of supplementary feeds in India, Bangladesh and Nepal. Continue reading
ILRI research to shape pig breeding policy in Nagaland, India
Last month (15 December 2015), ILRI researchers and agriculture sector partners in Nagaland discussed the process of ‘framing a pig breeding policy’ in the state at a workshop that reviewed current evidence from ongoing pig farming research. The meeting also generated recommendations for a pig breeding policy in the state, which among other goals, aims to develop pig breeds/cross-breeds that are adaptable, productive and appropriate for the smallholder pig farmers in Nagaland. Continue reading
High-level Asia policy dialogue discusses investment in agricultural research for development
A recently held high-level policy dialogue aimed at promoting investment in agricultural research technologies and innovations in the Asia-Pacific region.
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Getting to the root of the problem: Feed and fodder interventions for Bihar’s dairy sector planned
Insufficient supply of feed and fodder for animals remains a problem for dairy farmers in India, particularly in the state of Bihar. Feed and fodder scarcity limits animal productivity of products such as meat and milk, resulting in reduced incomes especially for smallholder dairy farmers. Continue reading
Promoting mineral mixture feed for dairy production: ILRI interview on Indian television program in Bihar
‘Dairy farmers can feed it to animals every day’, says agricultural economist Dhiraj Singh, referring to a mineral mixture feed that is increasing milk production from dairy cows in Bihar, India.
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Tapping into potential partnerships: ILRI and Bihar Agricultural University discuss possible collaborations
The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and Bihar Agricultural University (BAU) recently discussed possibilities of collaboration on livestock research for development in Bihar, India.
In a meeting held 8-10 October 2015, the two institutes identified areas of mutual interest such as food safety, zoonotic diseases and animal nutrition as opportunities for developing joint proposals and projects.
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Taking stock and looking ahead: Livestock and Fish further develops dairy value chain work in India
The CGIAR Research Program on Livestock and Fish recently reviewed its current projects and activities in India and set plans for 2016 and beyond.
At a review and planning meeting held 24-26 September 2015 at the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Varanasi City in Uttar Pradesh, progress of the Livestock and Fish dairy value chain work in India was assessed. Continue reading
Renewed ILRI and Indian Council of Agricultural Research collaboration to focus on food and nutritional security in India
The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) recently discussed new areas of collaboration in India as part of a renewed research partnership between the two organizations. Continue reading
India partners discuss strategies for improving fodder and feeding of livestock in the state of Odisha
Strategies for improving feeding and fodder availability to enhance livestock production in India’s Odisha state were recently discussed at a workshop by project partners and stakeholders. Continue reading