Batpalathang, Bumthang Dzongkhag
The temperate fodder seed production was initiated in 1982 by the then Grassland and Associated Fodder Research Centre (GAFRC) in Bumthang. Sub-tropical fodder species were introduced and tested at Subtropical Fodder Research Centre, Samtse (1986 –1994), and their seed production initiated on a trial basis in 1993 in Pema Gatshel. The National Fodder Seed Production Centre (NFSPC) was established in the beginning of the 6th FYP to cater the pasture and fodder seed production and supply in the country. Considering the need to have an agency to plan, coordinate, monitor and evaluate the feed and fodder development activities in the country, NFSPC was upgraded to the National Feed and Fodder Development Programme (NFFDP) in July 2003. From July 2012, the NFFDP was re-oriented as the National Center for Animal Nutrition (NCAN) with additional mandates.
The NCAN office is located 2 kilometres away from Chamkhar town above the Bathpalathang Domestic Airport in Bumthang Dzongkhag.
NCAN as a premier institution at par excellence in feed & fodder development and management contributing towards attaining self sufficiency in livestock and livestock products.
Provide effective and efficient feed and fodder services through technology generation, adoption and dissemination aimed at enhancing livestock production and productivity
Function as a focal technical authority on feed and fodder development.
Plan, coordinate and monitor all the feed and fodder development activities.
Generate and introduce feed and fodder technologies through research and development.
Provide technical backstopping to extension on feed and fodder development.
Maintain up-to date database on feed and fodder development activities.
Test and monitor the quality of all feed & fodder resources.
Establish demonstration sites in farmers’ fields through plantations to showcase the available feed and fodder technologies in the country.
Expand/promote fodder germplasm production activities through contract seed producers, germplasm banks and raising fodder nurseries.
Enhance farmers’ access to essential inputs like chopping and bailing machines, scythe, etc.
Promote ‘Contract Fodder Production’ and facilitate farmer-farmer marketing of feed and fodder.
Promote and facilitate adoption of technologies on enhancing nutritional status of crop residues (crop residue enrichment).
Facilitate setting up of feed mills in different parts of the country and initiate application of feed standards.
Introduce and promote fodder development and conservation technologies in the high altitude areas.
Facilitate the lease of government reserved forestland for grazing and improved pasture development.
Provide technical backstopping on rangeland management, improved pasture and fodder development, renovation and management, fodder germ-plasm production and feed formulation.
Enhance feed and fodder technology dissemination through production of extension materials in form of leaflets, booklets, newsletters, articles, manuals and video clips.
Functions of the Units