Cowpea fodder seeds are a great choice if you want to grow nutritious green fodder for cattle, goats, and other livestock. Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is a fast-growing legume fodder crop that enriches the soil with nitrogen and provides high-protein forage.

Features of Cowpea Fodder:

• Growth Duration: 45–60 days for first harvest.

• Nutritional Value: Rich in protein (18–22%), calcium, and digestible fiber.

• Climate Suitability: Thrives in warm, tropical, and subtropical climates.

• Soil Enrichment: Fixes nitrogen and improves soil fertility.

• Feeding: Can be used as green fodder, hay, or silage.

Cultivation Guide:

1. Soil:

   • Grows well in sandy loam to loamy soils.

   • pH range: 5.5 – 7.5.

2. Land Preparation:

   • Plough the land well to fine tilth.

   • Apply organic manure (FYM/compost) before sowing.

3. Seed Rate:

   • 25–30 kg per acre for fodder purpose.

   • For intercropping with maize/sorghum: reduce seed rate by half.

4. Sowing Method:

   • Direct sowing by broadcasting or line sowing (rows 30 cm apart).

   • Depth: 2–3 cm.

5. Irrigation:

   • Needs good soil moisture at sowing.

   • Irrigate lightly at intervals (7–10 days). Avoid waterlogging.

6. Fertilizer:

   • Basal dose of 8–10 tons FYM/acre.

   • Generally, no nitrogen fertilizer needed (cowpea fixes nitrogen).

7. Harvesting:

   • First cut at 45–50 days after sowing (at flowering stage).

   • Subsequent cuts every 25–30 days (up to 3–4 cuttings possible).

Benefits for Farmers:

• Improves milk yield in cattle due to high protein.

• Reduces feed cost (as it substitutes part of commercial feed).

• Improves soil fertility for next crops (ideal before cereals).