The dry season presents challenges every year – the most common being the stress of decreased grazing forage, and the subsequent costs incurred when purchasing feed. However, what if you could grow your own solution? Talk to many experienced livestock farmers in the Ghanzi region, and they will tell you that this is not only possible, but a smart move toward sustainable operations.
As part of their education and outreach activities the Farming for Conservation (FFC) team has designated a plot at our demonstration farm for growing a protein-rich legume called 'Lablab' (Lablab purpureus). Proven to be a drought-tolerant solution for livestock sustenance during the lean months, it is fast growing, and can provide quality fodder in less than three months after sowing. An additional advantage is that lablab is not difficult to grow.
Talking to FFC Coordinator, Connie Modise, he advises: “It is best to plant lablab in rows. Sow at 3-5cm depth, 30cm apart within rows; keep rows 45cm apart. Weed after the third week to protect young seedlings, and harvest at the flowering stage, leaving 10-15 cm stubble for regrowth. It can be grazed, dried, or fed fresh as a high-protein supplement. Humans can eat it too.”
Lablab harvesting and processing are ongoing activities at our demo farm; we will store this lablab to sustain our own herd during the dry season. With the right knowledge and planning, horticultural and livestock farmers can build a buffer that protects their livelihoods and herds, stripping the threat of scarcity from the dry season.
As part of their education and outreach activities the Farming for Conservation (FFC) team has designated a plot at our demonstration farm for growing a protein-rich legume called 'Lablab' (Lablab purpureus). Proven to be a drought-tolerant solution for livestock sustenance during the lean months, it is fast growing, and can provide quality fodder in less than three months after sowing. An additional advantage is that lablab is not difficult to grow.
Talking to FFC Coordinator, Connie Modise, he advises: “It is best to plant lablab in rows. Sow at 3-5cm depth, 30cm apart within rows; keep rows 45cm apart. Weed after the third week to protect young seedlings, and harvest at the flowering stage, leaving 10-15 cm stubble for regrowth. It can be grazed, dried, or fed fresh as a high-protein supplement. Humans can eat it too.”
Lablab harvesting and processing are ongoing activities at our demo farm; we will store this lablab to sustain our own herd during the dry season. With the right knowledge and planning, horticultural and livestock farmers can build a buffer that protects their livelihoods and herds, stripping the threat of scarcity from the dry season.
Fresh and dried Lablab at CCB Demonstration Farm
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