Improved Recommendations for Jowar Fodder
Sorghum / SSG fodder — multicut and nutrition management.
Key points Jowar is a major kharif fodder crop suited to many soils. It produces nutritious green or dry fodder and silage. Two plantings are common — summer (March–April) and monsoon (June–July). Sudan grass can be sown by late March for cuttings into November, helping bridge May–June and October–November fodder gaps. To avoid HCN toxicity risk windows, prefer June–July sowing for jowar and earlier March sowing for Sudan grass. Improved varieties Lazeez-37, Quality Gold, White Gold, Quality-37, Quality-137, Sweet Cut, Prime Sweet. Soil and preparation All soils can grow jowar, but heavy loam with good drainage is preferred. Prepare a clean, well-tilled seedbed for strong establishment. Sowing time Summer crop 20 March–10 April; monsoon crop as soon as rains start, typically 25 June–10 July. Sudan grass — end of March. Seed rate and method Do not broadcast. Use about 20–24 kg/acre for jowar and 12–14 kg/acre for Sudan grass in 25 cm rows with drill or pora. Fertilizer Rainfed/low rainfall — about 20 kg N/acre at sowing in rows. Irrigated/high rainfall — 20 kg N/acre at sowing + 10 kg N/acre one month later. For Sudan grass, apply about 10 kg N/acre after each cut. Weed control Intercultivate 15–20 days after emergence. Atrazine (as labelled) within 7–15 days of sowing helps early weed suppression. Irrigation Early summer crop may need about 5 irrigations; monsoon crop usually needs 1–2 depending on rainfall. Pests Shoot fly early, stem borer through growth, and earhead pests later. Adjust sowing windows and destroy stubbles after harvest. Stem borer can cause dead hearts in young plants and tunnelling in older stalks. Diseases Red leaf spot and related foliar diseases — improve soil fertility and remove grassy weeds; use protective measures when pressure is high. Harvesting Cut at the recommended stage for green fodder quality; for multicut types, follow variety-specific intervals and fertilize after each cut.