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Seasonal Farming Initiated in Bardiya to Address Krishna Sar’s Fodder Crisis

Seasonal Farming Initiated in Bardiya to Address Krishna Sar’s Fodder Crisis

Seasonal farming has been launched in Khairapur, Bardiya, to alleviate the food crisis faced by the Krishnasar (Indian gazelle) during the winter months. The Krishnasar, listed under the Wildlife Conservation Act of 2029, has been included in the protected species list.

Bhojraj Panta, the conservation officer at the Krishnasar Conservation Area, stated that after the natural forage for the Krishnasar dwindles in winter, seasonal farming within the conservation area is essential to provide food for these animals. Farming has been initiated on an eight-hectare plot of land within the Krishnasar’s habitat. The first phase of the farming includes the planting of wheat, maize, lentils, and other grains, which will help sustain the Krishnasar for a few days.

Once the Krishnasar consumes the first batch of grains, preparations will be made for the second phase of sowing, according to the conservation office. The government declared the Krishnasar Conservation Area due to the increasing risk of the species’ extinction in its natural habitat. The initiative is aimed at protecting the species from further threats.

In addition to grains, grass such as Siru and other types of forage have been planted, as the Krishnasar is known to prefer eating grass shoots. The conservation area faces several challenges, including habitat encroachment, the spread of invasive species like Parthenium, and free-range livestock grazing in the area. Despite financial constraints, these challenges are being addressed to ensure the survival of the Krishnasar population.

Currently, there are 217 Krishnasar in the Khairi Pattha area of the Guleriya Municipality, as per the data from the Krishnasar Conservation Area office. However, one of the main issues is the lack of grass in the grazing areas during the winter, which exacerbates the food crisis for the Krishnasar.

The seasonal farming efforts in the natural habitat of the Krishnasar in Khairapur are part of a broader strategy to ensure the survival of this endangered species in its natural environment.

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