For any livestock farmer, the health of animals directly affects income. Whether rearing cows, buffaloes, goats or sheep, quality feed is the foundation for productivity. In rural India, many farmers still depend heavily on crop residues, dry fodder or purchased feed, which may not fully meet the nutritional needs of animals. Green fodder not only fills this gap but also ensures balanced nutrition at a much lower cost. It acts as a natural source of vitamins, minerals and proteins, keeping animals in top condition.
Importance of Green Fodder
Green fodder offers several benefits over dry feed or concentrates. It is fresh, juicy and easily digestible, making it highly palatable for animals. Feeding green fodder improves digestion, increases appetite and results in higher milk yield in dairy animals and faster weight gain in meat animals.
A cow on a balanced diet with adequate green fodder can produce significantly more milk compared to one that relies only on dry feed. The use of green fodder also reduces dependence on costly commercial feeds, saving substantial amounts for farmers.
In addition to animal benefits, crops like cowpea and berseem fix nitrogen in the soil, improving soil fertility and reducing fertilizer costs for the next crop. This dual advantage makes green fodder cultivation an ideal practice for farmers looking to sustain both livestock and land productivity.
Choosing Suitable Fodder Crops
India’s diverse climate allows cultivation of green fodder throughout the year, provided the right crops are selected for each season. In the summer and rainy months, farmers can grow sorghum, bajra, maize and cowpea. Sorghum grows quickly and can be harvested within two months, producing large yields.
Bajra provides soft leafy fodder that animals enjoy, while maize is rich in energy and should be cut at the flowering stage for best nutrition. Cowpea is protein-rich and can be cultivated alone or in combination with cereals for a balanced feed.
During winter, berseem and oats are excellent options. Berseem can be harvested multiple times over a five to six month period and is rich in protein and calcium. Oats provide soft and digestible fodder that is especially beneficial for dairy cattle.
For year-round availability, perennial crops like the Napier-bajra hybrid grass can be planted, which with proper care can supply fodder for four to five years.
Cultivation Practices
To start green fodder cultivation, farmers should prepare the land well by ploughing and leveling it for proper water distribution. Adding well-decomposed farmyard manure before sowing improves soil fertility. The seed rate should match the recommended quantity for each crop to avoid overcrowding and ensure healthy growth.
Crops such as sorghum and maize perform well when nitrogen and phosphorus are applied based on soil testing results. For summer crops, irrigation every seven to ten days keeps the plants healthy, while winter crops may need water every twelve to fifteen days. It is important to keep the field weed-free during the early growth stages so that plants do not face competition for nutrients.
Harvesting for Quality and Quantity
Harvesting at the right stage ensures maximum nutrition. Sorghum and bajra should be cut when they reach the half-flowering stage. Maize should be harvested when it is still green and tender at the flowering stage. Cowpea can be harvested about fifty days after sowing.
Berseem is ready for the first cut in forty to forty-five days and can then be cut every twenty-five to thirty days. Oats give the best results when harvested at half flowering. Cutting too early reduces yield, while cutting too late lowers the nutritional value.
Ensuring Year-Round Supply
A continuous supply of green fodder can be achieved by planning a cropping calendar. Farmers can grow maize, bajra, sorghum and cowpea in the summer months from March to June. During the rainy season from July to September, they can grow bajra, sorghum and Napier grass.
In the winter months from October to February, berseem, oats and mustard fodder can be cultivated. By rotating crops according to the season, farmers can maintain a steady supply of fresh green fodder and reduce reliance on the market.
Economic Returns
Cultivating green fodder reduces feeding costs and improves overall farm profitability. For example, one hectare of sorghum can save a farmer up to Rs. 25,000 annually on feed expenses. Well-fed animals produce more milk, meat and healthier offspring, reducing veterinary costs and improving household income. By combining high-yield crops with proper cultivation practices, farmers can transform green fodder production into a reliable and profitable venture.
Green fodder cultivation is more than just growing feed; it is an investment in animal health, farm profitability and sustainable agriculture. By choosing the right crops, managing them properly and harvesting at the correct time, farmers can ensure their livestock receive the best nutrition all year round. This simple yet effective practice not only boosts productivity but also supports long-term soil health, making it a win-win for both animals and farmers.
