FODDER scarcity — currently a key issue of the livestock sector — is increasing by the day. For just under a decade, maize silage has been recognised as a good substitute for fodder during periods of acute shortage, but issues like fungal infestation, ice crystals, management losses and price inflation are causing major problems in the silage market.

Rhodes grass and Alfalfa hay are two varieties of fodder which may help resolve the fodder shortage problem in the country.

Alfalfa hay is somewhat new in the domestic market with a relatively smaller number of issues with regard to crop management and regular production of good quality hay.

Rhodes grass cultivation made a good start in 2006-07 in southern Punjab. The main purpose was to export this dried fodder to large dairy farms in the Middle East. Alfalfa hay is considered a premium product to satisfy dry matter requirements along with minerals available in compound feed, to complete the nutritional profile.

Rhodes grass and Alfalfa hay are two varieties of fodder which may help resolve the fodder shortage problem in Pakistan and boost exports

A Middle East-based company provided seed and services with a buyback crop arrangement in the initial days of 2007-08. Till 2013, Rhodes grass was grown over 20,000 acres in Pakistan and more than 20 farms were developed for hay export in Punjab, Sindh and south KP.

Later on, quality issues in hay production cropped up. In 2014, investors came back into the market with setups to improve product quality and started supplying directly to customers in the Middle East, for example, Jebel Ali and Ras-al-Khaimah. The Saudi government banned local fodder production in 2015 due to water shortages and decided to import fodder to fulfill the kingdom’s needs.

Pakistani Rhodes grass hay contributes no more than 10pc to the Middle East. Currently, Rhodes grass is being grown on less than 18,000 acres for exports but the cultivation is rising in central and southern Punjab owing to good returns and export potential.

The Rhodes grass plant is resilient. An average of three years of good production has been achieved in the last decade. Rhodes grass, a summer crop, has low nutrition and water requirements and tolerance against drought, salinity and frost. Some advanced machinery is also required for good quality hay production. The price being paid for high quality hay averages out at $170/tonne ex- farm. Fluctuations in ex-farm hay price discourage new investors.

Sun drying is easy and the most common method used to prepare hay. However, extreme sun exposure can bleach the colour of hay and compromise its quality. To start a new project, farmers should try to sow on a minimum of 75 acres to achieve the break-even in the first year.

In Pakistan, it is tough to manage good quality of Alfalfa. The crop is also resilient, however, for a good yield is achievable for three years. Alfalfa crop is susceptible to frost, salinity and drought conditions but now improved varieties are available in the market.

Summer active varieties give high yields. Pest and disease attack, rainy season, flood irrigation and water holding capacity play a vital role in the production of good quality crop and hay.

The biggest issue with Pakistani Alfalfa hay is the shattering of leaves during the baling process. Alfalfa leaves dry within a day, but stems require 3-4 days to become fungus-free. The over-dried Alfalfa separates from the stem during the baling process which puts off animals and affects their nutrition.

However, a conditioner mower helps in maintaining the fodder’s quality. Internationally 20-22pc crude protein is claimed in Alfalfa hay against 17-20pc in the local variety.

Hay can be stored for long periods of time, and in some cases, even for over a year. Due to the advantages of simple production methods, it is easier for farmers to penetrate into the international market.

Pakistan can attain a major share in the export market offered by the Middle East only by producing consistent quality hay owing to low freight charges and shipment time.

Published in Dawn, Business & Finance weekly, June 27th, 2016