Fodder Development Officer

Fodder Development Officer is responsible for planning, implementing, and monitoring programs aimed at improving the quality and availability of fodder crops for livestock in the operational area of Maahi, including educating farmers on optimal fodder cultivation practices, providing technical guidance on fodder conservation techniques like silage and hay making, etc, promoting high-yielding varieties, and facilitating access to necessary resources like seeds and technical support to maximize livestock productivity.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Extension, Animal Production, Animal Nutrition, Forage Agronomy or other relevant field.
• At least one (1) years of relevant experience in the sector, preferably in Fodder development.
• Good understanding of fodder crop cultivation, including different varieties, nutritional requirements, and management practices.
• Practical experience in piloting and scaling up relevant solutions at the local level.
• Excellent analytical skills and strong project management background.
• Ability to collect and analyze data and information and draw valid conclusions.
• Good verbal and written communication skills in English and Gujarati.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to conduct training sessions and workshops for farmers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Fodder Crop Research and Selection and Fodder conservation:
• Identify suitable fodder varieties based on local climate, soil conditions, and livestock needs.
• Promote the adoption of high-yielding, adaptable fodder varieties among farmers.
• Promotion and scaling-up fodder conservation techniques like silage and hay making, etc and developing a system of fodder trading in our operational areas.
• Farmer Training and Extension:
• Organize workshops and training sessions for farmers on proper fodder cultivation practices, including seed selection, planting techniques, irrigation management, and harvesting methods.
• Provide technical guidance on fodder conservation techniques like silage and hay making.
• Conduct field demonstrations to showcase best practices in fodder production.
• Fodder Production Monitoring and Evaluation:
• Regularly visit farmer fields to assess fodder crop growth, identify potential issues, and recommend corrective actions.
• Collect data on fodder yield, quality, and utilization to analyze the effectiveness of implemented programs.
• Monitor the impact of fodder development initiatives on livestock productivity and farmer income.
• Collaborate with agricultural extension officers, livestock development agencies, and input suppliers to facilitate the distribution of quality fodder seeds and other necessary inputs.
• Coordinate with research institutions to access new fodder technologies and research findings.
• Liaise with government departments to implement relevant fodder development programs and policies.