Kutch: In the arid landscape of Kachchh, where every drop of water makes a difference, a green patch of hope is flourishing. A new community-led fodder initiative, supported by Reliance Foundation, was inaugurated this week, in Arikhana village of Abdasa block. Spread over 4.5 hectares of common land, this effort is expected to benefit around 1,100 animals, helping farmers in the region overcome the recurring challenge of fodder scarcity during summer.

For smallholder farmers in Kachchh, fodder availability is a concern, as they tend to depend on distant markets or spend on increasing feed costs. Recognising this, Reliance Foundation, in collaboration with the ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI) and Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), partnered with communities to find a sustainable solution. The idea took root after farmers in Arikhana observed the success of Napier grass demonstration plots set up by Reliance Foundation in neighbouring villages.

At the heart of the initiative lies community-led cultivation of Napier grass, a perennial grass variety known for resilience and low water requirements. The fodder grown in designated common lands will be made available free of cost for the village’s livestock, with steady availability in dry months as well. On November 25th, 20,000 cuttings of Napier were planted to mark the beginning of the initiative. Senior officials in the district included C G Parakhiya, Taluka Mamlatdar; Mukeshbhai Patel, Divisional Head, Kothara Agriculture Regional Research Station; Jaydeep Gauswami, Senior Scientist, KVK Mundra; Jayrajsinh, District Programme Officer, NREGA. Members of the Village Fodder Committee joined the officials at the inauguration event.

Villagers have formed a ‘Fodder Samiti’ with guidance from Reliance Foundation to implement the fodder initiative. Together, they have identified prerequisites, from fencing and installing drip irrigation to preparing the land and mobilising labour. Financial and material support has come from multiple sources, including the 15th Finance Commission for Gaucha Sudharna (pasture land improvement), MNREGA, in addition to support from Reliance Foundation, and contributions from the villagers themselves, making this a truly participatory and sustainable initiative.

Recounting earlier challenges, Arikhana resident Jadeja Narubha Harisang shared, “We usually feed our livestock crop residue, or green fodder grown on field margins. But during low rainfall years, everything dries up. Feeding the animals becomes our biggest worry.”

The efforts taken by the residents of Arikhana village are a testament to what communities can achieve when they come together. More than just fodder, this initiative has sown the seeds for a community-driven model to guide other arid regions towards mitigating climate risks. DeshGujarat