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Cut Costs in Berseem Farming: Sow Seeds in Standing Paddy
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News18•12-10-2026, 12:13
Cut Costs in Berseem Farming: Sow Seeds in Standing Paddy
- •Farmers can broadcast berseem seeds in the standing paddy crop before harvest to save time and reduce preparation costs.
- •Manual harvesting of paddy once berseem plants start emerging minimizes damage to the young fodder crop.
- •This method utilizes existing soil moisture for seed germination and eliminates the need for extra plowing and field preparation.
- •Applying light irrigation and fertilizers after paddy harvest boosts the growth of nutritious green fodder for livestock.
- •Berseem acts as a leguminous crop that fixes atmospheric nitrogen, helping to maintain soil fertility.
Key Questions Answered
Farmers can broadcast berseem seeds directly into the standing paddy crop. Once small berseem plants emerge, the paddy can be harvested manually to minimize damage, followed by fertilizer application and light irrigation.
This method utilizes existing moisture in the field to help seeds germinate and eliminates the time and expenses typically spent on plowing, labor, and diesel after paddy harvesting. It also reduces the period the field remains vacant.
Berseem is a nutritious and protein-rich green fodder that helps livestock owners reduce market feed expenses. Additionally, as a leguminous crop, its roots contain Rhizobium bacteria that fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil, helping maintain soil fertility.
