Failed crops

FAILED CROPS

  • When ever failure of monsoon occurs, the existing crops fail to grow adequately and such crops can be utilized for feeding the animals under scarcity condition.

Sugarcane:

  • It occupies in the country about 2863 thousand hectares of land. Cane byproducts available are
    • Tops and leaves (DCP 2.3 % and TDN 18.8%): 68 million tonnes
    • Bagasse: 15455 tonnes and
    • Molasses: 5152 tonnes 
  • Sugarcane being deficient in protein and phosphorus, needs to be supplemented with proteinaceous and phosphorus rich feeds. The tops are high in oxalates and must be supplemented with calcium.
  • Silage of whole sugarcane as well as tops and leaves can be prepared by adding 0.5 % urea and 1.5 % salt.
  • Silage of sugarcane is very useful during extreme summer of drought years. Ureated silage provides 4.0% of DCP and 48% TDN on D.M. basis.

Banana:

  • The leaves, stem, flowers etc. are available for feeding to the animals. Leaves and flowers have adequate crude protein content and are high in calcium. They also supply carotene.
  • The stem, though low in protein content, can provide bulk to the animals. The stem and bulbs are fed after chopping with sharp blades.

Papaya:

  • It is cultivated as fruit crop in many parts of the country. Leaves are high in crude protein and calcium.
  • The outer skin is removed off the stem and then fed to the animals after cutting into small pieces.
Last modified: Monday, 1 August 2011, 6:53 AM