Grassland Productivity During Early Winter in Ladakh, India

Agro-pastoralism is the backbone for the sustenance of livelihood of people in semi-arid mountainous deserts of Ladakh, India. Livestock comprising sheep, goat, yak, donkey and horse, play an important role in human survival by providing fuel, transport, wool, milk, organic manure, meat and hide. Deficiency of fodder is the major constraint in livestock production system in this area; hence grassland vegetation availablefor grazing is important for livestock feeding and nutrition. The present study was aimed to evaluate grassland productivity in different villages of Leh, Ladakh. Productivity of grasslands in the study area ranged from 0.7 to 8.8 q/ha, reflecting low values and wide variability. Nutrient availability in grasses was poor, while fibre content was high. Supplementation of feed, fodder or concentrate ration is therefore essential to meet the nutritional requirements of the livestock largely dependent upon grazing in those grasslands.