The berseem importers heaved a sigh of relief when in November last the National Seed Council rescued them by changing the status of chicory (kasni) from noxious rogue to an ordinary commonplace groundkeeper.

The traders, brokers and agents were making pleas and protests for the release of containers, which according to the local seed testing laboratory of the Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department, contained chicory seeds in more than permissible limits of harmful weeds. Since majority of the containers were of the Egyptian origin, it became an issue of serious concern for the Egyptian government, as well. However, the matter was resolved by the National Seed Council.

Berseem is the largest Rabi season cattle fodder grown on almost 900,000 hectares (over 2200,000 acres) in Pakistan, out of which 88.5 per cent falls in Punjab,nine per cent in Sindh,two per cent in the NWFP and 0.5 per cent in Balochistan. To sow this area about 18,000 tons of berseem seed is needed. Previously all requirements were met locally, from the potential areas comprising Sheikhupura, Narowal, Gujranwala and Sahiwal.

Berseem is versatile fodders, which mainly provides superior and cheap nutrition for prolonged period to the cattle; helps enhance milk production, nevertheless leaving the soil rich and healthy. Berseem (trifolium alexandrimum) has Mediterranean origin, whereas the Egyptian type maskavi showed remarkable adaptability and consequently proved successful in producing high yielding fodder under sub-tropical and tropical agro-ecological environment. The plant has demonstrated fair adaptability and long-lasting strong genetic bonds enabling it to withstand the extensive testing and research manipulation. The breeders and agricultural scientists for long time could not achieve any breakthrough by evolving high yielding varieties as compared to the Egyptian maskavi types.

However, recently it has been reported that the Fodder Research Institute, Sargodha, has evolved through selection, a new type which is high yielding as well as more heat tolerant. In order to reduce the seed import and dependence on foreign source, it is imperative that breeders must accelerate testing and release procedure and also extend help to growers for producing better quality berseem seed. However, domesticated bees can help in enhancing seed production substantially along with honey.

When inquired about sharp decline in local seed production, the director stated that due to severe shortage of fodder for milch cattle at seed ripening stage, the farmers are compelled to use the crop as fodder rather than keeping for seed. On the other hand the agronomist was of the view that due to low seed yields, the farmers mostly prefer fodder over seed; therefore, the cost of locally produced berseem seed is comparatively high.

However, the breeder had different opinion that berseem is not self pollinating crop like wheat, but is highly cross pollinated rather self-incompatible. For pollination it needs ample insect activity preferably the presence of wild honey bees during the flowering phase. The wild honey bee, the most useful friend of the farmer has almost been eliminated; for which the “credit” goes to our habit of indiscriminate application of chemical insecticides. A good majority of farmers, particularly in cotton growing belt stated that quite often during flowering, the attack of army worm becomes excessively serious.

It is argued that the competition of last cutting of berseem with other crops does not favour seed production with the sowing of vegetables, oilseed or pulses. However a few farmers use the last cutting as green manure so as to add organic matter in the soil. It has proved one of the best green manure crop adding larger quantities of humus to the soil which is most important and essential input for successful crop growth and development.

Chicory (cichorium intybus) is a useful common plant found occurring all over the globe. However, in spring during final cuttings it becomes woody and may create some obstacle in cutting and making hay for the cattle. Fodder botanists are of the view that its sap is somewhat bitter in taste which may affect the taste if chicory mixture in fodder is more than two per cent.

Chicory is an important plant from the view point of its contents and uses. It is a multi-purpose plant grown for fodder, medicinal and industrial purposes. Conversely it is a quick growing green leafy plant, provides green fodder for livestock.

In European countries it is cultivated, not only as a salad and vegetable but also for fodder and more especially for the sake of its roots which when roasted and ground is used for blending coffee.

The ancient Greek used it as a community medicine and called it, “friend of liver.” It is also cultivated for its medicinal and culinary value. It is taken internally against jaundice, spleen problems, gallstones, gastritis and other digestive problems; rheumatism and gout. It is a good diuretic for curing urinary tract. It also produces industrial raw material called inulin, which is used for fructose production.