Fodder
Barseem Cultivation Guide: Sowing, Cuts & Seed Rate
How to grow barseem (berseem clover) for high-protein winter fodder — soil, sowing time, seed rate, irrigation, cutting schedule and tips to maximise green fodder for dairy cattle.
Updated Fri May 22
Barseem (berseem clover) is the king of winter fodders — a high-protein, highly palatable legume that gives dairy cattle excellent green feed through the rabi season, cut after cut. Here's how to grow it well.
Soil and field preparation
Barseem prefers medium to heavy soils with good water-holding capacity — clay loam or silt loam are ideal. Prepare a fine, well-levelled seedbed; level fields are important because barseem is irrigated frequently and even water distribution gives uniform stands.
Sowing time and seed rate
Barseem is a rabi crop. Sow with the cooling weather:
- North India: October to mid-November
- Central India: October to December
- South India: October to January
Seed rate:
- Pure stand: 20–25 kg/ha
- Mixed with other fodders: 15–20 kg/ha
Because the seed is small, sow into a moist seedbed and ensure good seed-to-soil contact. Many farmers sow into standing water or irrigate immediately after sowing for even germination. A first-year field may benefit from seed inoculation to establish nitrogen-fixing nodules.
Irrigation
Barseem is a water-loving crop. Keep the field consistently moist — light, frequent irrigations are better than heavy, infrequent ones. Crucially, irrigate after every cut to drive rapid regrowth for the next harvest.
Cutting schedule
This is where barseem earns its reputation as a multicut crop:
| Cut | Timing |
|---|---|
| First cut | ~50–55 days after sowing |
| Subsequent cuts | every 25–30 days |
Cut at the right stage for the best balance of yield and quality, and irrigate immediately after each cut. Managed this way, a single barseem sowing feeds your animals green fodder for much of the winter.
Feeding tip
Barseem is high in protein and moisture. When introducing it, mix with dry fodder (such as straw) to balance the ration and avoid digestive upset — a standard, well-known dairy practice.
Putting it together
Sow barseem on time into a moist, well-levelled medium-to-heavy soil at 20–25 kg/ha, irrigate frequently and after every cut, and take your first cut around 50–55 days. Pair it with a perennial like lucerne (Green Gold) for protein continuity. See the best fodder seeds for dairy cattle and the complete green fodder guide to plan your full-year supply. Quality barseem seed is available from Varsha Seeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is barseem sown?+
Barseem is a rabi (winter) fodder. Sow in October to mid-November in North India, October to December in Central India, and October to January in South India.
What is the seed rate for barseem?+
Use 20–25 kg/ha for a pure stand, or 15–20 kg/ha when mixed with other fodder crops. Good seed-to-soil contact and a moist seedbed are essential for germination.
How many cuts does barseem give?+
Barseem is a multicut crop that gives several cuts through the winter. The first cut is taken about 50–55 days after sowing, with subsequent cuts every 25–30 days, each followed by irrigation.
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