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quality, it still finds a constant share of the green fodder use. Considering from the farmer's point of view, the following yields and costs are informative. Crop Yield/acre Expenses Market price Profit acre (Rs.) (In 3-4 months) Jowar grain 1006 2684 3.50 1438 fodder 600 1.0 Bajra grain 1050 2385 3.0 1568 fodder 800 1.0 Maize fodder 19555 2572 5250 Groundnuts 815 4580 1940 Lucerne 14581 6116 5549 0.8 These figures indicate that maize and Lucerne are indeed very profitable for the farmer and also economical for the dairyman. Considering all the above, it seems that cattle feed could be the basis of self-employment for a large number of youth. Maize can be made into silage. The dried crop residues could be blended and made/extruded into blocks for feeding. There are a large number of possibilities when the market deficit alone is Rs. 120,000 crores. Apart from fodder crops, the fruit and vegetable industry is booming. Food processing, for bulk production, appears to be growing very fast. The poultry broilers business is growing around 20% per year. The value added by dressing is substantial. Dried chicken appears to have some market. Milk products are growing. All in all, the agriculture is likely to be a very profitable operation. When agriculture catches on, the mechanical, civil, electrical/electronic industries will grow to meet the needs of the agriculture production. « Rural Development Through Education System 241
