Indonesia boosts drought-resistant livestock feed

Banjarbaru, S Kalimantan (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s Ministry of Agriculture has outlined ongoing efforts to expand the use of legumes and high-protein grass as drought-resistant livestock feed to help sustain productivity amid potential forage shortages caused by the El Nino phenomenon.

“The initiative involves expanding the cultivation of forage crops that are highly resistant to dry soil conditions and can continue growing even when rainfall declines,” the ministry’s Director General of Livestock and Animal Health Agung Suganda said in Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan.

Speaking at a meeting with Commission IV of the House of Representatives (DPR) on Friday (July 3), he pointed out the government is focusing on developing forage from legume species such as indigofera, gamal, and lamtoro.

He also mentioned the Gama Umami, a high-protein cultivar of elephant grass developed through gamma-ray mutation technology. Both the legumes and grass can provide durable forage.

“The government places developing drought-resistant forage as a quick measure to maintain the stability of feed supplies at the farmers’ level in a sustainable manner,” Suganda added.

He emphasized that the Ministry of Agriculture is committed to encouraging farmers nationwide to expand the cultivation of these forage crops to ensure adequate feed reserves.

He also expressed hope that wider adoption of the crops would reduce farmers’ dependence on fresh natural fodder, whose stocks often decline during prolonged dry seasons across regions.

In addition to expanding cultivation, Suganda said the ministry is promoting the processing of forage into fermented or dried feed to extend storage life, ensuring availability when needed.

“This is part of our strategy to strengthen national food security while maintaining stable livestock productivity amid climate change impacts,” the official affirmed.

During the forum, he also highlighted the optimization of 843 feed banks across Indonesia to produce more silage and hay as longer-lasting forage in anticipation of El Nino.

Related news: Indonesia strengthens animal disease control as El Nino looms

Translator: Tumpal A, Tegar Nurfitra

Editor: Bayu Prasetyo

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