Barseem is a fodder crop given to cows, buffaloes, sheep, and other livestock animals. This crop makes a good forage for animals because it is rich in protein, fibre, and other nutrients. The livestock farmers often grow barseem on their own land because it grows quickly and gives high yields. Even farmers with limited land can get excellent yields if they follow the right steps, from preparing the soil to harvesting and storing the crop.

This blog will explain step-by-step tips for beginners to start barseem farming successfully.

Step-by-Step Guide to Barseem Cultivation for Small Farms

Here, we cover all the important aspects of barseem cultivation, providing practical tips and advice for beginners to achieve high yields and quality fodder.

Selecting Land and Preparing Soil

Barseem grows best in fertile, well-drained soils with a pH of 7 to 8. Prevent waterlogging in the field or cultivating barseem in acidic areas, as they can slow plant growth and reduce yield. 

Tips for soil selection and preparation:

• Select flat or gently sloping land to make irrigation easier.
• Remove weeds, old crop residues, and stones from the field.
• Apply 5–10 tonnes of organic compost or farmyard manure per acre to enrich soil fertility.
• Plough or use a rotavator to loosen soil up to 6–8 inches deep.

Both small and large farms should use utility tractors in the 35 to 50 HP range for land preparation. They save time and labour and are also available at competitive prices. Farmers can check the price list of different models, such as the John Deere 40 HP tractor price, to decide which tractor fits their budget. 

Seed Selection and Sowing

High-quality seed varieties, such as BL1, Mascavi, and Wardan, are to be used to get good yields. Farmers should prefer certified barseem seeds over local ones because they germinate uniformly and resist diseases. Bundel Barseem variety, for instance, is resistant to stem rot and root rot diseases, while Wardan is tolerant to bacterial wilt. 

Sowing tips:

• Use 20–25 kg of seed per acre.
• Keep row spacing at 20–25 cm, while the sowing depth should be 4-5 cm.
• Early sowing, usually in September–October, gives the best results in most Indian states.
• Prepare a fine seedbed to ensure uniform germination.

Farmers can sow seeds manually or use simple seed drills. Mini tractors in the range 20–30 HP can be used to pull the seed drills in large fields to save labour and time.

Fertilisation and Nutrient Management

Barseem needs a nutritional soil to grow fast and yield good-quality fodder. It needs nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium as must-haves, along with trace minerals such as zinc and boron.

Fertilisation guidelines:

• Use 10 kg of nitrogen per hectare after planting.
• Use 30 kg of phosphorus and 10–15 kg of potassium per hectare.
• Mix fertilisers thoroughly into the soil and lightly water.
• Split nitrogen applications for a steady green growth.

Small farmers can manually add fertiliser to the soil. However, farmers working on large farms should use tractor-mounted spreaders to spread fertilisers. 

Irrigation Practices

Barseem need a good water supply, especially during the germination and early growth stages. Proper irrigation is crucial for maximum yield.

Irrigation tips:

• Water every 10-15 days during the Rabi season cultivation. 
• Reduce frequency once the plants establish strong roots.
• Avoid overwatering to prevent waterlogging and root diseases.
• Use Drip or sprinkler irrigation to minimise water usage. 

Weed and Pest Management

Weeds compete with barseem for nutrients, water, and sunlight. Regular weeding improves crop growth and yield.

Weed control:

• Manual weeding is practical for very small plots.
• For removing weeds in large fields, use chemicals like Fluchloralin on the seedbed. 

Pest Management:

Like any other crop, barseem is also affected by common pests like aphids, armyworms, and cutworms. Normally, farmers can use neem-based sprays to control pest infestation. However, use insecticides if the pest attack is more serious. 

• For the grasshopper, spray the crop with Malathion. 
• For Gram Caterpillar, use either Chlorantraniliprole or Spinosad 48 SC.

Barseem also easily catch stem rot disease. To prevent the stem rot disease from spoiling the crop, manually remove the affected plants and use Carbendazim. 

Harvesting and Fodder Storage

Barseem grows quickly and can be harvested multiple times in a season. Proper harvesting ensures high-quality fodder for dairy cattle.

Harvesting tips:

• First cut can be done 60–70 days after sowing.
• Cut the crop 5–7 cm above the soil to allow regrowth.
• Use sharp sickles for small farms or tractor-attached mowers for larger plots.
• Store green fodder in shaded areas or prepare silage for long-term storage.

Timely harvesting ensures a continuous fodder supply and maintains nutrient quality for livestock.

Crop Rotation and Soil Health

Rotating barseem with cereal crops like wheat, maize, or sorghum maintains soil fertility and prevents disease build-up.

Rotation tips:

• Alternate barseem with wheat or maize each season.
• Incorporate crop residues back into the soil to improve organic matter.
• Avoid planting barseem repeatedly on the same plot to reduce pest and disease pressure.

Using a mini tractor for ploughing and residue management makes crop rotation easier and more efficient for small farmers. The mini tractor price in India starts from Rs. 2.44 lakh, making them accessible to small farmers. 

Practical Tips for Beginners

• Start with a small plot to gain experience and confidence.
• Maintain records of input costs, yields, and labour for better planning.
• Choose seed varieties suited to your local climate and soil type.
• Monitor irrigation carefully to avoid water stress or waterlogging.
• Consider using a small tractor for land preparation, sowing, fertilisation, and harvesting.

Additional Tips for Maximum Yield

• Apply organic mulches after sowing to retain soil moisture.
• Use simple protective nets or low-cost fencing to prevent cattle from grazing before harvest.
• Harvest in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to retain fodder quality.
• Monitor soil pH regularly and apply lime if the soil is acidic.
• Combine manual labour with small machinery for better efficiency.

Conclusion

Barseem farming is a good choice for small farmers seeking regular, high-quality fodder. Farmers can easily grow barseem on small farms using simple equipment. By using certified seeds, proper irrigation, controlling weeds and pests, farmers can ensure multiple productive harvests in a season. Following these practical tips and using simple mechanisation can make barseem cultivation easier, more efficient, and profitable for small-scale operations.