Workshop on Azolla promotion to Dairy Cooperative Society members in Marventhe

On 10th of February 2014, Mr. Austin Carvallo and Ms. Lina conducted workshop for Milk cooperative society members about Azolla demonstration,cultivation & Promotion, Here we gave a thoroughly information about Azolla and its Benefits. The workshop primarly aimed at following objects.

1. To sensitive/aware community about utility value of Azolla & to practice it for cattle growers.
2. Experience sharing by demonstrated farmer Mr.Shankar.
3. Field exposure to progressive farmer land.

Azolla is an aquatic floating fern, the fern appears as a green mat over water. As green manure, Azolla is grown in two to three weeks in flooded fields. This way cattle can benefited from Azolla which is rich in protein and therefore good as fodder for cows, it offers a lot of minerals. That is the reason, why it increased the quality and the amount of cow milk and fat.

What are the other more benefits or advantages of Azolla and Why we need to feed to cattle? Here is the detail information, its Reduces nitrogen in atmosphere, Can double in size every several days under optimal conditions, Green manure plant for paddy agriculture for weed suppression and fertility, Nitrogen and mineral source for compost making , 25-30% Protein , Rich in essential amino acids, vitamins growth promoter intermediaries and minerals like calcium, phosphorous, potassium, ferrous, copper, magnesium ,On a dry weight basis, it contains 25 – 35 percent protein, 10 – 15 percent minerals and 7 – 10 percent of amino acids, bio-active substances and bio-polymers, Eatable for: ducks, chickens, pigs, cows, goats, sheep and rabbits , Can increase milk production in cows by 15-20% , Easy harvest , After initial collection, you get a lifetime supply! , Nearly no cost and at the same time a higher income. After hearing all this information gather participants were really surprised and they would like to do the Azolla plot in their house too.

Also Mr. Shankar and Mrs. Nagamma, who is diary cooperative society president, they gave their witness or experience share about how FSL India staff and volunteers did the Azolla demonstration plot in their house and its benefits. With their own people experience, other participants also motivated and they also visited Demonstration Azolla plot in Mr. Shankar and Mrs. Nagamma house to get more practical idea.
Later on visited Mr.Grasian (Progressive farmer land) to have more practical exposure through “doing by seeing” was more usefull

Over all the presentation was effective and participants feedback we can recognized that, they like to do the Azolla in their house. And also our message reach to the participants. There were 18 household people benefited by Azolla presentation.