Ludhiana: To support Punjab’s expanding horse-breeding sector, the Punjab Agro Industries Corporation (PAIC) has initiated trial cultivation of alfalfa hay at its Ladowal farm to test its local yield and commercial viability.Alfalfa, also known as lucerne, is a protein-rich perennial forage crop popular in overseas markets like the US and cultivated in Indian states like Gujarat and Rajasthan. PAIC plans to evaluate its performance under local conditions and may extend trials by partnering with farmers if initial results prove encouraging.The trial comes as horse keeping and breeding see a surge in popularity among rural youth and affluent enthusiasts across Punjab, driving demand for an allied ecosystem covering quality fodder, veterinary care, and pedigree management.To help structure this emerging sector, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) has been working for over a year to organise breeders and offer scientific guidance. The university has emphasised closer coordination between breeders, veterinary scientists, and the state Animal Husbandry Department to blend scientific inputs with traditional knowledge.“Alfalfa cultivation was prevalent in overseas markets, particularly the United States, while in India the crop was being grown to some extent in states such as Gujarat and Rajasthan,” said Lal Singh Punia, regional manager at Punjab Agro.
