For dairy farmers and livestock producers across India, securing consistent, high-quality green fodder remains one of the most persistent challenges to operational sustainability and animal health. In a significant move to address this gap, India’s National Seed Corporation (NSC) is now promoting and selling seeds of the ‘Kent’ oat variety online at a discounted rate, providing a robust solution for year-round nutritious forage.
The ‘Kent’ oat variety stands out for its agronomic resilience and nutritional superiority. Specifically bred for Indian conditions, this variety is adaptable to all regions of the country and demonstrates strong resistance to major diseases like crown rust (kungi), leaf blight (bhurr), and smut (jhulsa). With an average plant height of 75-80 cm, it is optimized for high biomass production. Most impressively, it delivers an average green fodder yield of 210 quintals per acre, a figure that significantly outperforms many traditional forage crops and can provide a sustained supply of feed for months.
From a nutritional standpoint, oats are a powerhouse forage. They are rich in protein and iron, crucial components for livestock health, lactation, and growth. Scientific studies, including those cited in the Indian Journal of Animal Nutrition, confirm that incorporating oat fodder into dairy cattle rations can lead to a measurable increase in milk yield and quality due to its excellent digestibility and balanced nutrient profile. This makes it a superior alternative or complement to other common forages like berseem.
Recognizing the barrier of seed access, the NSC has made procurement straightforward through its online portal on the ONDC network. A 10 kg seed packet is currently available at a 22% discount for ₹700, making this high-performance genetics accessible and affordable for smallholder and large-scale farmers alike. This ease of access is critical for widespread adoption.
Agronomically, oat cultivation is similar to wheat and is well-suited as a Rabi season crop. It thrives best in loam soils but can be grown in a variety of soil types with proper field preparation, involving 2-3 ploughings for a fine tilth to ensure good germination.
The promotion of the ‘Kent’ oat variety by the National Seed Corporation is more than just a seed sale; it is a strategic intervention in India’s dairy and livestock sector. By providing access to a high-yielding, resilient, and nutrient-dense forage crop, the initiative directly tackles the perennial challenge of green fodder scarcity. For farmers, adopting this variety promises not only to reduce feed costs but also to enhance livestock productivity and farm profitability through improved animal health and increased milk production. This move underscores the vital role of public-sector agricultural institutions in disseminating technology and knowledge to drive sustainable and profitable farming practices.
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