The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is making headlines for its recent innovation in the field of agriculture. The council has developed a revolutionary anti-methanogenic feed supplement named ‘Harit Dhara’ (HD), with promising attributes that could have a significant impact on the environment and milk production. HD is reported to reduce cattle methane emissions by 17-20%, and also results in increased milk output.
About Harit Dhara (HD)
HD functions by reducing the growth of protozoa microbes in the animal’s digestive system, namely the rumen. These microbes, found in the first of the four parts of a ruminant’s stomach are responsible for hydrogen production, a key component in the formation of methane. The hydrogen is reduced by archaea (microorganisms similar to bacteria) and converted to methane.
This innovative feed supplement is derived from tannin-rich plant sources. Tropical plants rich in tannins, known for their bitter and astringent chemical compounds, have been demonstrated to suppress or remove protozoa from the rumen.
Another benefit of HD is that it promotes increased production of propionic acid during fermentation, providing more energy for lactose (milk sugar) production and body weight gain. This leads to economic benefits for farmers as it can increase milk yield per animal and promote healthier livestock.
Methane Production in Cattle
Cattle produce methane as a result of carbohydrate fermentation within the rumen, during which CO2 and hydrogen are produced and utilized by microbes (Archaea) to generate methane gas. Cattle fed on agricultural residues such as wheat/paddy straw, maize, sorghum or bajra stover, tend to produce higher quantities of methane compared to those fed more easily fermentable/digestible feeds like concentrates, silages and green fodder.
Methane Emissions from Cattle
According to estimates, cattle in India are responsible for emitting between 9.25 million tonnes (mt) and 14.2 mt of methane on an annual basis, contributing significantly to the global total of 90 mt-plus from livestock. Methane’s global warming potential is 25 times that of carbon dioxide (CO2) over a 100-year period, making it a more potent greenhouse gas. The 2019 Livestock Census showed India’s cattle population at 193.46 million, along with 109.85 million buffaloes, 148.88 million goats and 74.26 million sheep.
Government Initiatives Related to Livestock
In response to the challenges and opportunities in livestock farming, the Indian government has initiated several programs. The Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) was established to support private investment in Dairy Processing, value addition and cattle feed infrastructure.
The Rashtriya Gokul Mission aims at developing and conserving indigenous breeds of bovine population, enhancing milk production, and making it more remunerative for farmers.
The National Livestock Mission was launched in the fiscal year 2014-15, aiming to ensure quantitative and qualitative improvements in livestock production systems and capacity building of stakeholders.
The National Artificial Insemination Programme was initiated to prevent the spread of certain diseases that are genital in nature, thereby improving the efficiency of the breed.