Utility of Fodder Banks for Reducing Women Drudgery and Anthropogenic Pressure from Forests of Western Himalaya

Forests in India and other developing countries of South East Asia meet most of the energy demands. Collection of fodder is the first step that mainly contributes to the agricultural economy in states across Indian Himalayan Region. Local women are mainly involved in collection of fodder by lopping the trees, shrubs and grasses available in forests and agroforests. Present study was carried out to understand the fodder consumption pattern, fodder biomass removal in villages located at various elevations. Pattern of fodder removal was studied to identify preferred species, distance and time involved. Heavy backloads of fodder were affecting women health, causing accidents, resource extraction conflicts, malnutrition of children and decreased education opportunities. Paper discusses the efficacy of fodder banks and improved feeding systems to be introduced. One successful fodder bank model developed by using fast growing, high biomass yielding and nutritious fodder species by active participation of women folk has been discussed. The study aims to help forest department of Uttarakhand in general and other Himalayan states at large for developing fodder supply zones by developing fodder banks and introducing fast growing and high biomass yielding plants also in cropland bunds.