JHANSI, June 7 -- Highlighting the growing significance of grasslands in climate-smart agriculture and sustainable land management, Gyanendra D Tripathi, additional secretary, department of agricultural research and education (DARE) and secretary, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), emphasised the need for stronger policy support to promote fodder and grassland development across the country during his visit to ICAR-Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute (ICAR-IGFRI) here on Saturday. During the visit, Tripathi reviewed the institute's ongoing research and technological advancements in fodder and grassland management, including work on non-conventional fodder resources such as cactus, conservation of national forage germplasm, year-round fodder production systems and grassland restoration initiatives. He appreciated the institute's achievements, particularly the development of the world's first seed-producing fertile Bajra-Napier hybrid grass, describing it as a significant milestone in forage research. Discussions during the visit focussed on the need for real-time assessment of wastelands and pasturelands to facilitate effective restoration and management planning. htc...