May 24, 2024, Chandigarh– Cowpea fodder crop is beneficial for dairy animals in summer season. Cowpea cultivation is generally suitable for irrigated areas. It is a fast growing leguminous, nutritious and tasty fodder crop of summer and Kharif season.
While giving information to the farmers about sowing of cowpea crop, Vice Chancellor of Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Prof. B.R. Kamboj said that apart from green fodder, cowpea is also grown as pulses, green beans (vegetables) and green manure alone or as a mixed crop. For higher yield of green fodder, it should be sown in May in irrigated areas and as soon as the rains start in rain-dependent areas.
He said that in order to increase the milk yield of dairy animals in summer, cowpea fodder must be fed to them. Its fodder contains an average of 15-20 percent protein and dry grains contain about 20-25 percent protein.
Farmers should get higher yields by choosing improved varieties
He told that farmers can increase fodder production by planting improved varieties of cowpea. Cowpea C.S. 88 variety is an excellent variety which is best for fodder cultivation. This variety is resistant to various diseases especially yellow mosaic virus disease and is free from pests. This variety can be sown in irrigated and less irrigated areas in summer and Kharif season. Its green fodder becomes ready for harvesting in about 55-60 days. Its green fodder yield is about 140-150 quintals per acre.
- Growing cowpea along with sorghum, millet and maize increases the quality of fodder.