KOCHI: In the changing environment, crop- and livestock-based mixed farming, productivity and animal welfare are the thrust areas for sustainable farming across the world, according to experts from Global Innovation Initiative (GII) partner universities who participated in a two-day international workshop on ‘sustainable livestock systems’ in Kochi.
Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University vice-chancellor Dr B. Ashok who inaugurated the workshop said in tune with the population growth, 40 per cent increase in production of food grains and animal protein sources is required by 2050.
Prof Michel Lee of University of Bristol, UK, suggested that India has more potential in subsistence farming since more than 90 per cent of the production is under small-holder systems.
Animal welfare, soil fertility, quality of fodder, pasture management and one health are the major pillars of sustainable development, he added.
Vice-chancellor of Kerala University for Fisheries and Oceanographic Studies Dr Madhusoodana Kurup suggested that integration of farming systems need to be popularised as part of sustainable farming operations.
Representatives of University of Wisconsin-Madison (USA; UWM), Kansas State University (USA: KSU) and Zhejiang University (China; ZU) also took part in the debates.
