North News
Chandigarh, January 3
The Punjab government is set to encourage collaborative initiatives to integrate alfalfa into the state’s forage system, aiming to boost livestock productivity and promote agricultural sustainability. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Minister for Agriculture, Farmers Welfare, and Food Processing, made this announcement during the Stakeholder Conference on Sustainable Forage Solutions: Alfalfa – Mechanisation, Production, and Marketing, organised by the Punjab Agro Industries Corporation Limited (PAIC) in partnership with Namostute Innovators LLP and Team Athena.
Khudian highlighted that alfalfa cultivation is already underway on 60 acres in Ladhowal (Ludhiana) by Punjab Agro, with plans to expand the initiative. Alfalfa, known for its high nutritional value, is being promoted as a sustainable, cost-effective feed source that improves livestock health and milk production. The government is also working with Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) and Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University to provide farmers with accurate nutritional information.
The benefits of alfalfa include its ability to enhance soil health by fixing nitrogen, as well as its deep root system that makes it drought-resistant. The crop’s resilience ensures a reliable forage supply even during dry periods. Additionally, alfalfa’s ability to complement silage and provide year-round fodder availability for livestock makes it an ideal solution for farmers.
Dr. Daniel H. Putnam, an Alfalfa and Forage Extension Specialist from the University of California, Davis, delivered a keynote address on global best practices in alfalfa cultivation. The conference saw active participation from key players in the dairy and agri-food industries, including Nestlé, Amul, Milkfed, ITC, Unilever, and Bani Milk.
