1. LUCERNE -ALFALFA (Medicago sativa L.) (Medicago sativa L.) Leguminosae family Leguminosae family Originated in Iran from where it traveled to Arab countries where it was called alfalfa …. Originated in Iran from where it traveled to Arab countries where it was called alfalfa …. Meaning the best fodder Meaning the best fodder Afterwards it was introduced in Europe and called lucerne Afterwards it was introduced in Europe and called lucerne

2. Then it speard in 1650 A.D. from england to North America and new Zealand Then it speard in 1650 A.D. from england to North America and new Zealand And then in next 100 years it become a popular fodder through out the world. And then in next 100 years it become a popular fodder through out the world. Lucerne is multicut, perennial,legume forage crop Lucerne is multicut, perennial,legume forage crop Known as queen of fodders Known as queen of fodders Proteins 18 percent Proteins 18 percent Carbohydrates 11percent Carbohydrates 11percent Fat 8 percent Fat 8 percent

3. Provides green fodder throughout the year especially during the fodder scarcity Provides green fodder throughout the year especially during the fodder scarcity May – june and oct- nov May – june and oct- nov

4. CLIMATE AND SOIL CLIMATE AND SOIL Well adapted to wide range of climatic and soil conditions Well adapted to wide range of climatic and soil conditions Best under low rainfall and high sunshine Best under low rainfall and high sunshine Grows well in dry climate on deep well drained loamy soil Grows well in dry climate on deep well drained loamy soil pH 6.5-7.0 pH 6.5-7.0 Can tolerate extreme heat and cold Can tolerate extreme heat and cold

5. SEEDBED PREPARTION AND MANURING SEEDBED PREPARTION AND MANURING Very good seed bed is required Very good seed bed is required 20-30 tonnes of FYM 20-30 tonnes of FYM Otherwise 2.5 bags of DAP per hectare are sufficient. Otherwise 2.5 bags of DAP per hectare are sufficient. Every year after the monsoon season 2.5 bags of potash should be added Every year after the monsoon season 2.5 bags of potash should be added

6. SEED RATE AND SOWING METHOD Drill 15-20 kg per hectare seed in lines 45cm apart in good watter Drill 15-20 kg per hectare seed in lines 45cm apart in good watter

7. SOWING TIME SOWING TIME Crop was sown between Oct 15 to Nov 15 Crop was sown between Oct 15 to Nov 15 IRRIGATION IRRIGATION Needs first irrigation 3 weeks after sowing Needs first irrigation 3 weeks after sowing 15-20 days interval in winter 15-20 days interval in winter 10-15 days interval in summer 10-15 days interval in summer

8. Harvesting Frist cutting should be taken three months after sowing Frist cutting should be taken three months after sowing Later cuts may be taken after an interval of 5-6 weeks Later cuts may be taken after an interval of 5-6 weeks Best time for cutting is when 10-20 percent flowers have emerged Best time for cutting is when 10-20 percent flowers have emerged On average six cuts per year, 100-120 tonnes green fodder obtained from one hectare On average six cuts per year, 100-120 tonnes green fodder obtained from one hectare

9. SEED PRODUCTION SEED PRODUCTION Stop cutting after Feb. Stop cutting after Feb. At full blooming no irrigation should be done, At full blooming no irrigation should be done, Other wise over growth may adversely affect seed yield Other wise over growth may adversely affect seed yield Crop is ready for harvest by the end of MAY and early JUNE Crop is ready for harvest by the end of MAY and early JUNE VARIETIES VARIETIES Type-8 Type-8 Type-9 Type-9 Type 8x9 is a varietal mixture Type 8x9 is a varietal mixture