Sesbania Grandiflora/ Hadga/Agati

Other Names

Hummingbird/Agust/Agase/Avisa/Agastya /Swamp-Pea

Seed Rate

2.5-3 Kgs/acre (Pure Crop) & 1 Kg/acre (Fence/Boundary/Inter Crop)

Germination time

5 days

Sowing Method

Agathi seeds have hard skin, so below steps needs to be performed for better germination.

Boil water to 100 degree Celsius in a container

Allow it to cool down to 80 degree Celsius

Soak the seeds in the hot water for 2 to 3 minutes

Replace the hot water with cold water and leave it for 12 hours

Drain the water and leave the soaked seeds in a wet cloth in a dark place for another 12 hours.

End of 24 hours, you would see the germination. Now directly sow it in the pot or location.

Spacing Recommended:

6×6/ or 7×7 feet for cultivation as plantation as a tree for boundary/waste land/fence

2. 5×2. 5 feet for growing inside the field (maintain ridge & furrow method of field preparation)

Soil Requirement

Comes up in soils with good drainage

Irrigation

Irrigate immediately after sowing, and thereafter once in 15 days.

Harvesting for fodder

First cut can be taken after 8 months and subsequent harvests at an interval of 60-80 days for fodder tree.

Uses

Used for fodder, pulp and paper, food, green manure, pepper vine, shade, medicines, timber, gum and landscape decoration

Features

Protein content is about 25%. It improves milk yield & body weight of animals. Its lifespan is about 20 years.