By Faiza Tehseen Islamabad, Feb. 07 (INP-WealthPK): Fodder crops are the main source of animal food. In Pakistan, two periods (November-January and May-June) are called the fodder scarcity periods when the traditional crop yields drop drastically due to severe weather conditions. To overcome this problem, few imported fodder crops  have been introduced in Pakistan, which give better yields throughout the whole year. Mombasa grass is one of them. Mombasa is an African-origin variety and Pakistan has imported its seed. It is well-resistant to frost and can even grow in winter through frost prevention techniques. Mombasa is also disease and pest-resistant, while comparatively other traditional fodder crops are vulnerable to such attacks. Its crop is ready for arrestation after 40 to 45 days and animals like such foliage cropped at an early stage. As it is a perennial one, it goes on for at least 10 to 15 years. Another positive point of this fodder is that it contains zero levels of Erucic acid (which is toxic for animals and mostly found in almost all types of fodder crops when their plants are young) and is best for use when it gains a height of at least 3 to 4 or 5 feet. Mombasa is a well-palatable fodder for all animals like cows, goats, horses, etc. It is tall, well-productive and leafy well suitable to cut and carry, producing 20 to 40 t/ha dry matter per year. Its crude protein level varies in different soils. It can provide protein from 4 to 28% but the normal ratio (of protein) in Pakistan is 12 to 18%. Fodder crops not only provide food security through ample supply of milk and meat, but also play an important role in poverty alleviation. The livestock sector of Pakistan contributes 11.5% to the national GDP and at least 55% to the agricultural GDP. During the fiscal year 2020-2021, the gross value addition of livestock was PKR1.5 trillion. Livestock population is increasing at the rate of 4.2% per annum and so are their food requirements. It can be cultivated in almost all types of loam in Punjab, but it is too successful in the arable areas of Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur. It is a good crop in sandy loam. In all those areas where millet is successfully cultivated, Mombasa is also successful there. In November, Mombasa produces flowers, but the climatic conditions of Punjab are not much viable for healthy seed, so mostly its hybrid seed is imported from Australia and Spain. Its one-year-old plant produces more than 100 shoots and increases wonderfully year to year. At present, fodder crops are cultivated at 10.3% of total arable land producing an average of 22.5-hectare ton, which is insufficient to meet even half of the domestic fodder needs. In terms of essential nutrients, it fulfils the need of at least 15-30% only. More than half of animal feed is produced from fodders and crop residues, and 1/3 from animal grazing in rangelands, wastelands and other naturally grown sources. In a detailed discussion with Wealth-PK, Senior Scientist at the Ayub Agricultural Research Centre, Faisalabad Muhammad Ashiq said, “Mombasa is a perennial fodder of African origin named after a Kenyan city and three to four years back, it was introduced in Pakistan. It is a cherished fodder for domestic animals due to its flavour. Owing to the high growth rate, it gives at least 7-8 yields per year and app 3-4 thousand maunds fodder in one year. During the winter season, its growth reduces but produces seeds.’’ He said the agriculture department not only introduced its available production technology, but the recent research consisting of weed control and regular pest scouting. It is a good sign that during the whole observation process, no disease or pests were found in this fodder crop. Though it is still under observation, it is showing positive signs for further recommendations. Its nursery is planted during February and March up to September, but plastic covering is essential during February. After March, it can be cultivated without any coverage. Seedlings of at least six inches are ready for transplantation. As its radius increases after every yield due to heavy foliage, it is better to grow it at a distance of at least 1-2 feet on the top of 2.5 feet apart ridges. According to Muhammad Ashiq, as Mombasa is not showing any signs of disease or pest attacks, farmers must sow it as a sustainable crop. He explained that since the mortality rate was high in suckers, they were under controlled observation, while nursery seedlings were showing 99% results. It is a profitable crop as well if its seed is sold along with its foliage, he said. Dr. Qamar Shakeel, Senior Scientist at the Ayub Agricultural Research Centre, Faisalabad also recommended Mombasa grass due to its productivity and better immunity against pests and diseases. He shared with Wealth-PK that it could be a good choice for farmers as it is a perennial crop palatable for animals when harvested at least at the length of 4 to 5 feet. Mr. Sikandar, Senior Scientist at the Fodder Research Institute, Sargodha said, “This fodder is still under observation. It is well-tolerated to severe weather changes. Research carries on concerning its suckers ‘productivity and seed preparation’, which will take some time”. Dr. Sajjad Khan, Senior Scientific Officer at the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) said, “A variety of Mombasa grass, which is little rough, is not palatable for animals, but soft varieties are very appetizing for them. It has a good protein level and its soft foliage is most relishing for them”. To know the views of farmers cultivating Mombasa, INP-News interviewed Mr. Yameen, a farmer from Chiniot, Punjab. Yameen has cultivated Mombasa on at least four hectares. He also trades its seed and suckers and uses the same grass to feed his livestock. In a discussion with Wealth-PK, he said “I cultivated it for about two years ago and am happy with its high yield. I experimented that animals like it more than any other traditional fodder such as Sada bahar, maize and millets. By consuming this grass that is available throughout the year, animals produce more milk.” Another farmer, Nasir Randhawa from Toba Tek Singh, Punjab, told Wealth-PK that he cultivated Mombasa on one hectare of his arable land and was well-satisfied with the result. He recommended its cultivation at least close to 50% along with other fodder crops because it was available throughout the year and was the best option to get fresh fodder during the scarcity of seasonal fodder. He said animals like the much greener part of this grass. It is good for to harvest after 40-50 days of cultivation when it is 4–5 feet high. At this stage, animals eat it with relish. It is also good to use as a mix with silage. He said using this fodder gave increased milk production of 10-15%. Wealth-PK also took views of Mr. Zafar Iqbal, sales manager of Agri-Max Seed, a private seed supplier company. “The trend to grow Mombasa grass is increasing. Farmers are showing interest, as it has not shown any signs of disease or pest. Right now, Pakistan is importing its seed, but our agricultural research institutes should focus on seed production and creating better varieties in labs”, Zafar Iqbal said.