Quality Seed Production of Winter Fodder Crops

Abstract

Fodder plays a significant role in livestock rearing by providing nutritious and cheap feed to animals. There are two fodders: winter fodders (berseem, alfalfa, mustard, Indian clover, and Persian clover) and summer fodders (maize, sorghum, and millet). There are four types of fodder crops: cereal fodder, grasses, legume fodder, and tree fodder. Fodder is considered a primary component of livestock rearing. The shortage of fodder is causing a decrease in livestock output. One of the main factors leading to fodder shortage is the unavailability of good-quality seed, as it is considered a vital input that can increase the production potential of fodder crops. Different organizations, seed growers, and seed certification agencies play a crucial role in quality seed production and its marketing. Various factors affect seed production, and no prominent institute is involved in the seed business of fodder. Usually farmers produce a very minute amount of seed. This chapter discusses quality seed production of the main winter fodder crops like alfalfa, berseem, mustard, Indian clover, and Persian clover.