Dimension:
Indian subcontinent is characterized by tropical monsoon climate having degraded forests and under seasonal protection; grasses grow and produce a typical monsoonal savanna with low productivity levels. In this, the active growth of grasses in grazing land occurs only during monsoon season. The grazing intensity in such type of natural grassland is as high as 12.6 ACU/ha compared with 0.8 ACU/ha in developed countries. Productivity can be increased by developing model grass land with minimum input and management.

Combination of range grasses and legumes :
Cenchrus ciliaris, Cenchrus setigerus, Chrysopogan fulvus, Sehima nervosum, Heteropogon contortus, Dichanthium annulatum, Bothriochloa intermedia , Stylosanthes seabrana, Stylosanthes hamata, Clitoria ternatea, Macroptilium atropurpureum

Target area:
Degraded land, community land and forest land available with different state governments in India

Impact:
Rangelands are extensive areas which are unfit for arable farming and are mostly under natural vegetation where animals graze. The vast arid and semi arid tracts including the great Indian desert, the Himalayan rangelands involving the seasonal pattern of animal migration and other forest grazing areas depict the true nature of Indian rangelands. These vast areas could be developed as model grassland with increasing production potential with rich genetic diversity of forage plant species in different eco-climatic conditions and a variety of habitats and niches. As an impact it has been well taken by different stakeholders as a successful model in 70 ha area in Soda ( Rajasthan) and 25 ha forest area in Orcha, Madhay Pradesh (Bundelkhand) . Many stakeholders are coming forward to establish this model in their areas.

States suitable for adoption of this technology:
A.P., Karnataka, Tamilnadu, Telangana, Utarakhand, Bundelkhand part of M.P and U.P. Maharashtra, Chattisgarh,Jharkhand, H.P. and J&K, etc. states of India

Establishment cost of the system:
Rs.25,000-30,000/ha.

B:C ratio: Over the period of 10 years:
1.5-2

Forage production:
6-8 t Dry Matter /ha/year

ACU supports:
2-2.5 ACU/ha, availability period of fodder from July to December.

Technology package (Community pastureland development)