ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF HYDROPONIC FODDER PRODUCTION, A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Gebre Kiross
Department of Plant Science, College of Agriculture and Natural Resource Science, Debre Berhan University, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia

Abstract

Livestock is one of the major sources of economy, livelihood, cultural and social values of Ethiopians. However, its productivity is extremely low mainly due to shortage of feed. Conventional fodder cultivation relies heavily on arable land, large volumes of water, and seasonal stability, making it increasingly unsustainable. Shrinkage of land, recurrent droughts and the irreversible impact of climate change is threatening conventional rain-fed fodder production exacerbating the existing feed shortage. Hydroponic fodder production has emerged as an innovative solution to these constraints, enabling the growth of nutrient-rich green feed in controlled environments using water-efficient, soil-less techniques. Hydroponic fodder production is a technique in which seeds are germinated into a high quality, nutritious, disease free animal food in a hygienic and controlled environment. This review examines the environmental and economic dimensions of hydroponic fodder production system, highlighting its ability to significantly reduce water consumption, minimize the size of land requirement, lower application of agrochemicals, and ensure year-round fodder availability. The economic feasibility of hydroponic fodder production is ensured by its high nutritional value, low production cost and higher production efficiency. It is resilient to climatic change and does not require fertile land. Such integration and its short production cycle ensure year-round feed availability and enhance its application at all feed production levels. Collectively, the adoption of hydroponic fodder production presents a transformative opportunity to realize feasible livestock system, enhance rural livelihoods, and promote sustainable agricultural transitions under the changing climatic and economic conditions.

Keywords: climate change; conventional farming; green fodder; livestock; sustainable agriculture.

Author Biographies

Gebre Kiross, Department of Plant Science, College of Agriculture and Natural Resource Science, Debre Berhan University, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia