The water bodies are covered with this plant called jalkumbhi which has been known as a plant that actually “drinks away” water resulting in water loss. This plant is now considered a boon to the animals as it has nutritive properties.

In any case, the livestock owners or the farmers had taken to jalkumbhi as food for their cattle since fodder had become an expensive affair. It has been observed that buffaloes are relishing jalkumbhi. The farmers have now started feeding jalkumbhi to their cattle based on the knowledge of its nutrients.

Jalkumbhi plant has water to the extent of 92 percent, so farmers have started mixing 20 percent of it with fodder since it is also good for digestion. Jalkumbhi can be a perfect alternative for fresh grass as it has the same nutritive value. It also increases lactation in animals. In the absence of green fodder or vegetation in summers, jalkumbhi can prove to be a blessing for the animals.

There are many advantages of this plant in the field of medicine as well as per ayurveda. Sources say that it removes arsenic and pesticides from the contaminated water and keeps it clean. It is used for making  compost and vermicompost. It is also used for mushroom production.