26 Jun Fodder Beet – An Excellent fodder crop
चारा बीट - एक उत्कृष्ट चारा फसल Fodder beet (Beta vulgaris sub sp. maritime) is considered to be one of the highest biomass producing crop and cultivated globally mainly for its fleshy, swollen roots. The major fodder beet producing countries are France, United Kingdom, Netherland, New Zealand, Belarus, China, Japan. The plant is similar to sugar beet but its roots are less deeply buried (upto 2/3 above ground) and the dark green heart shaped leaves are borne in a rosette lying more horizontally (Fig.1). It has an inherent capacity of salt tolerance and probably the highest biomass producing crop in saline environments. Fodder beets provide excellent quality fodder (Table 1). It is energy rich highly palatable and digestible fodder. Studies revealed that feeding fodder beet roots can maintain animal productivity, to save about 50% of ration concentrate feed mixture and increased milk yield and its component. Recently, Fodder bee has been introduced in India and some trials were conducted by Central Arid Zone Research Institute, State Agriculture Departments of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, and few seed companies. In almost all the places, the biomass production of this crop was many times higher than other fodder crops of the region. A great response was received from the farmers. With the strengthening of...