SILAGE – THE BEST ECONOMICAL ALTERNATE WHILE SCARCITY OF GREEN FODDER IS EVITABLE

India is the largest producer of milk with 187.75 MT production ( Basic animal husbandry statistics, 2019). The average yield is about 1600 Kg/animal whereas the world average is about 2700 kg/animal. Israel and the USA are the leading countries with average yields of about 13000 and 10500 Kg/animal respectively. (UGAM FOUNDATION’S). The United States of America is the largest manufacturer of maize and contributes nearly 35 % of the total manufacture in the world and maize is the driver of the US economy. The USA has the peak productivity (> 9.6 t ha-1) which is double than the global average (4.92 t ha-1).Whereas, the average productivity in India is 2.43 t ha-1.Maize is native of America. It was introduced to India by Portuguese during 17th century.(Krishi.icar.gov.in)