Clover Farming in India: Easy Methods for High Yield

Clover, also called Berseem, is a popular fodder crop in India, mainly grown during the winter season. This crop is rich in protein and is used to feed animals like cows and buffalo. It grows well in many parts of the country and is easy to manage. Moreover, it also helps in improving soil fertility as it adds natural nitrogen to the soil.

In this guide, we will explore the complete process of clover farming in India using simple steps.

6 Simple Methods to Grow Clover 

To grow Clover successfully, farmers must follow a few simple steps. Below is detailed information about each method:

Soil Preparation

To start Berseem farming, the land must be well prepared. This crop grows best in loamy or clay-loam soil with good drainage and a pH between 6.5 and 8.0. Farmers usually plough the field 3 to 4 times using a tractor to loosen the soil and remove weeds. After that, they use a harrow or leveller to make the field flat and smooth. 

For this process, many farmers prefer the Massey 241 DI tractor, which features a 42 HP engine. The 35.7 PTO HP and a 1700 kg lifting capacity are best for ploughing and levelling tasks. These features help prepare a fine seedbed, which is important for healthy and uniform Berseem crop growth.

Seed Treatment 

Next, you have to treat the seeds before sowing. Mix the seeds with the Rhizobium bacteria culture. This helps in fixing nitrogen from the air into the soil, which is good for plant growth. To do this, dissolve jaggery in water and use it to stick the Rhizobium to the seeds. 

Let the seeds dry in the shade before sowing. Seed treatment improves germination and increases plant strength.

Sowing the Seeds

The best sowing period in India is from October to November. You can sow the seeds by broadcasting in standing water or using a seed drill for even spacing. If broadcasting, make sure the soil is moist and level. After that, lightly roll the soil to cover the seed, as proper sowing ensures good germination and a healthy crop.

Irrigation and Fertilization

After sowing, give a light irrigation within 3-5 days. For the rest of the season, water the field every 10-15 days in winter and every 7-10 days in spring. Do not let the soil dry out completely. Berseem needs regular moisture for fast growth.

Also, apply the right fertilizers, such as adding 20-25 kg of nitrogen, 60-80 kg phosphorus, and 40-50 kg potash per hectare. If the soil is poor, use organic manure along with chemical fertilizers. Good irrigation and proper nutrients result in lush green and protein-rich fodder.

Weed and Pest Management

As the crop grows, keep an eye out for weeds and pests. During the early stage, remove weeds by hand or use weeders. Dense growth of Berseem usually controls weeds naturally. However, if weeds like Poa or Trianthema appear, control them early.

Furthermore, watch for pests like aphids or stem borers. Use neem-based sprays or safe pesticides if needed. Choose disease-resistant varieties like BL-42 or Wardan to reduce crop damage. A clean field leads to better crop health and high fodder yield.

Harvesting and Seed Production

The first cutting of Clover can be done 45-60 days after sowing, depending on the crop growth. After that, harvest every 25-30 days for fresh and soft fodder. If you want to produce seeds, skip the final cutting and let the crop mature. The seed crop is harvested in March or April when the plants turn yellow and dry. 

The harvesting requires a tractor that offers both strength and better handling. The Farmtrac Champion 35 All-Rounder, a reliable model from Farmtrac India, effectively meets this need. It has a 38 HP engine with 32.6 PTO HP, which ensures consistent performance when running implements like mowers or cutters. Furthermore, the 1,500 kg lifting capacity allows for easy loading and transportation of green fodder. 

Benefits of Clover Farming

Berseem farming is very helpful for both the soil and livestock. It also fits well into different farming systems. Here are some key benefits:

• It improves soil fertility by adding nitrogen naturally, so farmers don’t need to use a lot of chemical fertilizers.
  
• It has 17–20% protein, which makes it a healthy and nutritious fodder that boosts milk production in dairy animals.
  
• Farmers can grow Berseem with other crops like wheat or mustard in rotation, which supports mixed farming and better land use.
  
• Its thick and dense leaves protect the soil from erosion and help hold moisture in the ground.

Conclusion

Overall, Clover (Berseem) farming is a smart choice for Indian farmers. It is simple, low-cost, and gives high returns. By following the right steps, like soil preparation, seed treatment, and sowing, farmers can grow healthy and high-yielding Berseem crops. Timely irrigation and regular harvesting help maintain good quality green fodder throughout the season. With proper care and planning, clover farming can give long-term benefits to both livestock and farmland.