¶¶Land under permanent pasture is decreasing because, due to increase of population in an uncontrollable rate, demand for food, land for houses etc. are increasing. So, people start using the pastural ground for making their house or using it as an agricultural land. That is why, we are observing a decrease in land under permanent pasture.

¶¶Cattle population is fed on decreased area of pasture lands by deforestation to acquire new pastures and utilising modern technology to procure animal feed. The consequences of decreased pasture lands are the increasing strains placed upon farmers practicing animal husbandry, declining productivity of cattle and diversion of forest lands for grazing.

The decrease in the land under permanent pasture has been a major concern for the cattle industry. In order to understand how we are able to feed our huge cattle population on this pasture and the consequences of it, we need to look at some of the factors that have contributed to this situation.

Factors leading to the decrease in land under permanent pasture:

1. Urbanization and industrialization: The expansion of urban areas and industrialization has led to the conversion of agricultural land into urban and industrial areas.

2. Deforestation: The clearing of forests for agricultural purposes has also contributed to the decrease in land under permanent pasture.

3. Climate change: Climate change has led to changes in rainfall patterns and temperature which has affected the growth of grass and other vegetation on permanent pasture.

4. Land degradation: Land degradation due to overgrazing, erosion, and other factors has also contributed to the decrease in land under permanent pasture.

How are we able to feed our huge cattle population on this pasture?

1. Intensive farming: Intensive farming practices have been adopted to increase the productivity of the land under permanent pasture. This involves the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and other inputs to increase the yield of grass and other vegetation.

2. Feed supplements: Feed supplements such as silage, hay, and concentrate feed are used to supplement the diet of cattle during periods of low pasture growth.

3. Grazing management: Grazing management techniques such as rotational grazing and strip grazing are used to maximize the use of available pasture.

Consequences of the decrease in land under permanent pasture:

1. Increased pressure on remaining land: The decrease in land under permanent pasture has put increased pressure on the remaining land leading to overgrazing and land degradation.

2. Loss of biodiversity: The conversion of permanent pasture into other land uses has led to the loss of biodiversity and habitats for wildlife.

3. Soil degradation: The loss of permanent pasture has led to soil degradation which has reduced the productivity of the land.

4. Greenhouse gas emissions: The conversion of permanent pasture into other land uses has also contributed to greenhouse gas emissions.

Conclusion:

The decrease in land under permanent pasture is a major concern for the cattle industry. Intensive farming practices, feed supplements, and grazing management techniques are used to maximize the use of available pasture. However, the consequences of the decrease in land under permanent pasture include increased pressure on remaining land, loss of biodiversity, soil degradation, and greenhouse gas emissions. It is important to adopt sustainable land use practices to address these issues and ensure the long-term productivity of the land.