Lucerne also known as "alfalfa" or "rijka" in northen India is a protein rich fodder and considered as "queen of fodder crop". It is a perennial plant and can supply fodder for 3-4 year in same growing. Along with protein, it is also major source of mineral and calcium. It is a palatable green fodder contain 16-25% of crude protein and 20-30% of fibre. Lucerne is native of South-West Asia. It is a hardy leguminous crop and can survive in drought conditions. It can be easily converted into silage and hay. It is winter season crop and mainly cultivated in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan. In one season 7 to 8 cutting can be taken with average fodder yield of 280 to 320 qtl/acre.  

It can be cultivated on variety of soils but it gives best result when grown on deep and well drained loamy soils. Avoid waterlogged, alkaline and heavy soils for its cultivation.   

LL composite 5: It is a fast growing, tall annual variety having broad dark green leaves with purple flowers. Seeds of this variety are bold. It gives to resistant to downy mildew. It gives average yield of 280 qtl/acre.

Sirsa 8: It is developed at fodder research station Sirsa (Haryana). Suitable for cultivation in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and UP. It gives average yield of 140-160 qtl/acre of green fodder.

Lucerne No 9L: It is developed by Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana. It is a quick growing variety with green foliage. Once planted it can give fodder upto 5-7 years. Gives average yield of 300 qtl/acre of green fodder per year.  

Chetak S 244: It is suitable for cultivation in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat. It gives average yield of 560 qtl/acre.

Other States Varieties:

Rambler: Suitable for cultivation in Hilly areas. Gives average yield of 240-360 qtl/acre per year

LL composite 3: Suitable for growing in entire country. It give resistance to downy mildew and lodging. Gives average yield of 156 qtl/acre. 

IGFRI S 54, IGFRI S 244, Moopa, IGFRI S 112

Prepared field thoroughly and prepared levelled seed bed. Plough land once with help of disk plough and three times with cultivator. After every ploughing do planking to make seed bed levelled.

Time of sowing
Best time for lucerne sowing in Punjab, is middle of October. 

Spacing
At time of sowing keep row to row distance of 30 cm

Sowing Depth
sow seeds at depth of 2-4 cm in soil.

Method of sowing
For Sowing broadcasting method is used. Before lucerne sowing, broadcast oats@15kg/acre and mix well in soil with help of cultivator.

Seed Rate
Use seed rate of 6 to 8kg for one acre land.

 Fertilizer Requirement (kg/acre)

Nutrient Requirement (kg/acre)

At time of sowing, apply Nitrogen@10kg in form of Urea@22kg, Phosphorus@32kg in form of SSP@200kg per acre.

To keep field weed free, carry out first hoeing one month after sowing. In rainy season weed infestation is high at that time take hoeing operation according to weed intensity.

Apply first irrigation, one month after sowing and depending upon soil type and climate, apply remaining irrigations at interval of 15-30 days. No irrigation is needed during rainy season.

• Pest and their control:
  

Alfalfa Aphid: Serious pest of lucerne crop. If infestation is observed, to control take spray of Malathion 50EC@350ml in 150 litre of water per acre.

Lucerne caterpillar, jassid and weevil: If infestation is observed, take spray of Hexavin 50WP@450gm or Malathion 50EC@ 400ml in 150 Ltr of water per acre. 

• Disease and Their control:

Rust: If not controlled timely can reduce yield severely. Small brown spots are observed on leaves with black or brown color at centre. If infestation is observed, take spray of Mancozeb (Dithane M-45)@25gm/10 Ltr of water.

Leaf spot: It is mostly found in north and central India. Affected plant turn yellow and leaves gets drop off. If infestation is observed, take spray of Mancozeb (Dithane M-45) or  Chlorothalonil@300gm/150 Ltr of water.

After sowing, crop is ready to harvest for cutting in 75 days. Remaining cuttings are taken at interval of 30-40 days. 

When crop is raised for seed production, carry out last cutting in mid-march. When crop is at full blossom stop irrigation, it will help in good seed yield. After pods get dry, complete harvesting immediately to avoid shedding of pods. From one acre 75-100 kg of seed yield is obtained.

1.Punjab Agricultural University Ludhiana

2.Department of Agriculture

3.Indian Agricultural Research Instittute, New Delhi

4.Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research

5.Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare