Director Visits Intensive Fodder Development Farm, Stakna to Review Fodder Development Under LG’s Initiative.

Director Visits Intensive Fodder Development Farm, Stakna to Review Fodder Development Under LG’s Initiative.
LEH, LADAKH, JULY 31: As part of the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor’s initiative to strengthen fodder security and expand fodder resources across Ladakh, Director, Sheep Husbandry Department, UT Ladakh, Dr. Iftikhar Hussain, accompanied by the District Sheep Husbandry Officer, Leh visited the Intensive Fodder Development (IFD) Farm, Stakna to review fodder production and inspect the newly developed fodder cultivation area.
During the visit, the Director was informed by the Livestock Development Officer, Stakna Dr Mohd Abass that the IFD Farm at Stakna spans approximately 2,900 kanals, of which around 2,400 kanals are under fodder cultivation . The farm produces nearly 3,000 quintals of fodder annually, which is utilized for feeding Government farm livestocks .A substantial quantity of fodder is also maintained as reserve stock to meet livestock fodder requirements during inclement weather in winter when natural grazing pastures remain covered under heavy snowfall.
The Director stated that, under the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor’s initiative for fodder development , around 400 kanals of additional land is being developed for fodder cultivation at the Stakna Farm, where alfalfa has been sown to enhance fodder availability and strengthen the livestock sector in Ladakh. Moreover, the said land is independent of the Igoo Phey canal for irrigation and mainly operated through solar powered irrigation system.
Appreciating the efforts of the officers and farm staff, the Director emphasized the importance of achieving fodder self-sufficiency through scientific cultivation, efficient management practices, and the continued expansion of fodder development across the Union Territory.