AMRITSAR: In a new initiative to develop new variety of the Barseem, Khalsa College has tied up with the Punjab Agriculture University (PAU), Ludhiana, Punjab. Barseem is the primary fodder for the milk animals in the state during winter months.

A MoU had been signed between the College and the PAU, Khalsa College Principal Dr. Mehal Singh informed. He also said that, the animal feed has a major contribution in promoting this profession of rearing the animals so the new varieties which are more nutritious and healthy would be developed.

He further said that, Berseem is cultivated on approximately 2.26 lakh hectares of land in Punjab, so it is very big challenge to make available disease free and a good quality of seeds.

Approximately 56,500 of quintals was the total consumption of Berseem seed and Punjab is able to produce only 15 to 20 percent of the total requirement of Berseem. The remaining 80 to 85% seed is imported from outside the Punjab. And sometimes because of this farmer have to purchase seed from the private companies at more cost.