Pakistan Lucerne Crop Gains Attention | Rising Fodder Demand | Zarea Limited

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In recent years, Pakistan has seen an increasing focus on lucerne (also known as alfalfa) as a vital fodder crop. With the livestock sector expanding rapidly to meet both domestic and export demand, lucerne offers strong potential and benefits. This article explores why lucerne is gaining attention in Pakistan, its advantages, challenges, and how stakeholders — farmers, private companies, and government bodies — can work together to fully realise its promise.

What is Lucerne and Why Now?
Lucerne (Medicago sativa) is a perennial leguminous forage crop renowned for its high nutritional quality, ability to improve soil fertility, and adaptability to various environments. It is among the most protein-rich natural feeds, making it extremely valuable for dairy and beef cattle.
Key Advantages of Lucerne

1. High Nutritional Value
   Lucerne provides around 18–22% crude protein, making it one of the best natural feeds for livestock. Compared to many grasses and coarse fodders, protein content is a clear advantage.
   
2. Soil Improvement / Nitrogen Fixation
   As a legume, lucerne fixes nitrogen in the soil, improving fertility and reducing need for synthetic nitrogen fertilisers. This can lead to cost savings and environmental benefits over time.
   
3. Perennial Nature and Year-Round Supply
   Lucerne is often perennial — remaining in the field for multiple years (often 4–5 years or more under good management). It allows multiple cuttings, enabling continuous or more frequent fodder production. It helps smooth out feed gaps between seasonal fodder crops. For instance, Punjab’s Ayub Agricultural Research Institute and related research show that some lucerne varieties yield well throughout the year and are multicut.
   
4. Versatility / Adaptability
   Lucerne thrives in a broad range of climates and under various levels of irrigation. It is being trialled in semi-arid zones (Sindh, Balochistan) as well as more intensively irrigated regions (Punjab). Proper water management is required, but its adaptability makes it viable in many parts of Pakistan.
   

 
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