Sustainable Livestock through Silage Technique in Semi-Arid Areas: An Intervention of TVS SST, India

Abstract

This study examines the introduction of silage as a fodder management practice in semi-arid villages of Pune district, Maharashtra. The intervention, implemented by the TVS Srinivasan Services Trust, sought to address recurring shortages of green fodder that affect livestock productivity. A sample of 300 beneficiary households was surveyed in 2024. Data were collected on milk yield, milk composition, feed costs, medical expenditure, and income from dairy. Before adoption, 41% of respondents reported distress sale of cattle due to a lack of fodder. After adoption, average daily milk yield rose by 18.5%, with corresponding increases in FAT 7.8% and SNF 3.5%. Fodder costs declined when farmers used silage produced from own-grown fodder, reducing the cost of one tonne of feed to ₹1,460, compared with ₹4,935 when fodder was purchased. Households reported lower veterinary expenditure and an average monthly income gain of ₹7,820 per animal. The findings indicate that silage reduced exposure to seasonal feed shortages and contributed to improvements in livestock performance and income in a semi-arid production environment.